Foreword

JIMINY CRICKET CHIRPS AGAIN is a personal account of Cpl. Herman G. Schroeder, a member of the Valiant 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion.  The title refers to the 275th "mascot" - a plucky little crickett outfitted with Roman-style helmet, breastplate, and sword.

Prompted by a reunion with his fellow veterans after more than thirty years of separation, he recounts experiences from his call to volunteer, through his introduction to the regimentation and frustrations of army life, his training as a cannoneer, and the adventures of his first deployment overseas. That trip would result in the fight of his life in The Battle of the Bulge.

Schroeder's account reflects the courage and determination of the men of the 275th, which bore the brunt of a fierce surprise attack by SS Panzer units in December, 1944. This unit's gallant resistance in the face of overwhelming strength showed that though they would bend, but they would not break. Their dedication proved to be vital to the 7th Armored Divisions defence of St. Vith, Belgium. The delay to the German time-table contributed greatly to the failure of Hitler's last gamble.

With deep humility Cpl. Schroeder, a retired Presbyterian minister living in Vienna, IL, returned home to raise children and grandchildren. His account does not seek glory for himself, but testifies that God's grace brought him through.

Foreword by:     Dan Stewart

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DeLoyd Cooper is the Historian for the 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion Association.
Copyright © 1999 DeLoyd Cooper. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 4, 2004