|
Club News: It is with regret that we announce to the club that Eldon Trenary passed away this March. Eldon worked with the club's Dave L. on a written history of his memories of his service with the 80th Infantry Division in Europe in 1944-45. We were lucky to have had his permission in sharing that story with the club in our newsletter. You can find his story in installments in each of the four quarterly issues of the 2002 NWHA Bulletin. |
In Memoriam
Eldon Ray Trenary
Eldon passed away at home on March 4, 2004, after a long struggle with cancer. He is survived by Laura, his loving wife of 38 years. Eldon is survived by son, Guy Trenary, daughter, Judy Ternary, step-daughters Barbara Shefcheck and Cheri Skeels, step-son Clint Cisney. Son Dennis Trenary preceded him in death. He is survived also by brother Ralph Trenary, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.Eldon was born in Fristoe, MO and moved to Ocean Park, WA at the age of 11. His life was varied and he had many interests. His working years began at 16, working in the oyster beds. When WWII started, he moved to Portland and worked in the Kaiser Shipyards until he was inducted into the Army. Eldon served during the Battle of the Bulge and in Occupation. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.After the war, Eldon worked as a tree faller on the Oregon Coast. After 3 years there he went to work for Crown Zellerbach Paper Company in Camas, working there for 28 years. He took early retirement at age 58 to run his small machine shop, combining hobby with business.Eldon enjoyed water-skiing with his children, playing horseshoes and camping in his travel trailer. He also played chess. He loved bird hunting with his dog Kip.Eldon's machine shop was his first love. He made many small model engines for friends and relatives. Eldon also loved music, playing the guitar most of his life, and at the age of 65, learned to play the fiddle. He was an active member of the WA Oldtime Fiddlers and Columbia Oldtime Strings. A high point of the year was a trip to Weiser, Idaho for the National Oldtime Fiddle Contest. Eldon made many friends who shared his love of oldtime fiddling.Eldon was a great story teller, which especially delighted his grandchildren. Eldon was honest, brave and kind. He leaves a hole in the heart of family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Eldon Ray Trenary
|
WWII History: |
The Wereth 11
Forgotten Heroes of WWII
In the First Quarter 2004 issue of the Bulletin we published an important article about a new memorial being built to honor some of the forgotten heroes of WWII. During the early stages of the Battle of the Bulge when American troops were retreating in many areas, 11 men of a segregated artillery unit found themselves seeking shelter in the Belgian village of Wereth. German sympathizers within the village gave them up to a patrol from the 1st SS Division. The eleven men were marched off, beaten, tortured, and then executed, their bodies left in a ditch. They were found in February by advancing American troops. An investigation was begun but none of the perpetrators were identified.
Markers placed on the Wereth 11 Memorial.
In 2001 an effort was begun in Belgium and the United States to put in place an appropriate memorial to the Wereth 11. Thanks to their efforts the project has been completed, with the markers being set this May 23rd. The Belgian government placed road signs to help guide visitors and the location is marked in guidebooks for the Battle of Bulge area. Our thanks to Steve B. of the 3rd Armored for bringing this story to the club's attention and helping in the cause, and our thanks on behalf of all the forgotten heroes of WWII to Dr. Lichtenfeld who headed up the memorial foundation.
