My Father, Cpl. Robert W. Hindman, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was a Leopoldville survivor. The following is an excerpt from his Eulogy. He died, on January 7, 2014, after a long bout with dementia, but I grew up with a plethora of interesting WWII bedtime stories. Thank you, Mr. Andrade, for telling this story in such an interesting manner and for your interest.

. . .He [Robert Hindman] was part of that rapidly-diminishing group of World War II veterans who unconditionally-served their country. As a catharsis, he shared child-appropriate versions of military stories with me at bedtime. To this day, I don’t know fairy tales, but can readily describe life after midnight creeping behind hedgerows in enemy territory and developed a vibrant picture of life in post-World War II Marseille, France and Vienna, Austria. I visited both cities, but discovered romantic recollections through my Dad’s filter of World War II did not match present-day realities.

Dad told me the horror and cold of being on the sinking Troopship Leopoldville in the English Channel on Christmas Eve after it was torpedoed by a German submarine. He credits being seasick and staying above-deck as God strategically-guiding him. He had other encounters, during World War II, that resulted in him being awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star; honors that were also awarded to his sister, Ruth Hindman Balch. His military service with the Army’s Black Panther unit and tales of recognizance missions behind German lines at night was a great source of pride and his exploits and pictures are included in a Black Panther book by William Maynard. Craig and I were so honored to accompany Dad to the World War II Memorial Dedication in Washington, D.C.. . . .

My father; Bruce E. Ziegler was in 262nd Co I mortar squad and survivor of Leopoldville. His mortar Squad leader Sgt. Ray Richards, was not with unit after the sinking and my father always thought he perished in the disaster. Upon recent visit to the Memorial at Ft. Benning and additional internet research I am not finding his name any where among victims or else where. All else he remembers is believe from Philadelphia or that area possibly NJ or some other close state. Any information is appreciated. Beth Ziegler; proud of my father’s service and thankful for the French Tug that rescued him from the Channel that Christmas Eve.

Mr. Yarnell, thank you for this information it really does all fit. Not sure when the form for PA bonus would have been completed but the “overseas” service if this is him with the 66th would not have started until Nov of 1944 when they shipped out of NYC to England.

My brother did find in an Alan Alandre book a list that indicated Raymond Richards was aboard the Leopoldville and indicated hospitalized. So thinking maybe did not perish but was injured enough did not rejoin his unit. Is there a method to track beyond the war?

Thank you so much for the information you provided; home location, age etc all match.

Cousin Edward M. Cavalcante Pfc (McClellandtown, PA) Company H, body never recovered.

Mr. Andrade, your book is incredible. I am stunned to learn all of this so late in my life. My father was 6 when his cousin boarded the Leopldville. He remembers conversations, but never a full story. I can’t imagine my great Aunt Lucy and Uncle Joe not knowing the truth when they died. Please let me know if anyone else has information on Edward. I am visiting Normandy next week, and will be the first in my family to do so. God bless.

Autumn Cavalcante

• This reply was modified 8 years, 4 months ago by acavalcante.