Intermission Stories (17)
Woody Gorback in Italy.
Woody Gorbach
A local story
Woody Gorbach, a current resident of South Palm Beach County, had served with the 135th Battalion/34th Infantry Division/5th Army during WWII in the European Theater of Operations. He was raised in Westport, Connecticut and enlisted at the age of 19. “I felt I had to fight for the country. I wanted to end the war.”
Woody sailed from Newport News, VA on a trip that would take 30 days and drew the attention from German bombers who tried their best to end the voyage. Gorbach recalls, “…being sick and scared and excited.” His first real fighting was at Monte Cassino, a hilltop abbey on the German defense line. Multiple battles cost the Allies about 55,000 casualties. Woody developed trench foot and was sent to a base in Africa. When he returned to Italy, he discovered his unit had been wiped out.
Woody, photographed in April 2014 w/ his medals.
He would later fight at Anzio beach where the German fought with the advantage of the high ground. “A lot of casualties there,” he said. “I thought my time was up. After that I knew each day was a gift.” He felt lucky and guilty and devastated to have lost so many friends. “But when you’re 19, you didn’t think too much about it, you just did your job.”
Gorbach said he was one of the first to enter Rome, greeted joyfully by the Italians. He slept that night at the foot of the Colosseum. When asked if that meant on the ground, he replied, :Always on the ground. We carried a blanket. It’s not like there were hotels.” As he looks back, he calls the years “Interesting. They weren’t altogether bad because I met a lot of good people and brave soldiers.”
Woody in front of his real estate office.
Retirement for Woody wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and at 90 years of age, he continues to work as a real estate broker in Manalapan, Florida. His wife of 60 years, Lori, put his name in for the Honor Flight, which he recently took to Washington D.C.
Hats off to you, Woody Gorbach!
The facts and quotes were taken from an article written in the Palm Beach Post, by Kimberly Miller, Staff Writer.
#############################################################################################
Current veteran’s story….
Please click on image ##############################################################################################
ALERT –
Sheri deGrom
Our fellow blogger and good friend, Sheri deGrom, could use our support right now. Her husband Tom has been rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and I hope each and every one of you will show her that we are behind her with our thoughts and prayers! Thank you!
##############################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Please click on to read. From ANZAC
Joel “Shelly” Bienstock – Phoenix, AZ; US Army, Korea, Purple Heart
Thomas Carton – Hicksville, NY; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS Miami
Jack Dowdall – Pompano, FL; US Army, WWII
Steven A. Farris, Jr. – Alexandria, VA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Colonel, fighter pilot, West Point grad, 48th Combat Support Group, ETO
Herschel Ingram – Anchorage, AK; US Army, Sgt. (Ret.)
Clyde E. Keller – Berryville, AR; US Army, WWII, ETO, 742nd Field Artillery Battalion
Carl Moses – Sand Point, AK; US Army, Korea, artillery
Thomas O’Brien – Forestville, MD; US Army, Korea
Madison Post – Fond du Lac, WI; US Army, Lt. Col.(Ret.), ETO
James Roberts, Sr. – Fairfax, VA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, 379th Bomber Group
Allan Sawyer (90) – Auckland, NZ ; Flt Sgt., RNZAF, RCAF & RAF #636536 & #435581
Norman Sooter – Berryville, AR; US Army, WWII
#############################################################################################
Posted on May 15, 2014, in WWII and tagged Army, Conn., European War ETO, family history, Florida, History, Military, Military History, veterans, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 59 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
Woody was in on some of the most misguided battles the Allies staged in WWII – Monte Cassino and Anzio. Both were bloodbaths. The entire Italian campaign was poorly thought out. Woody was blessed to have come out of those fiascos alive. If it weren’t for the Free French led by Gen. Juin, the Italian campaign would have been a complete disaster for the Allies. Juin and his troops are forgotten heroes – and they were given little credit for how they saved the Allies in Italy at the time. Ike should have sacked Mark Clark. Clark’s ego cost the Allies thousands of unnecessary casualties.
LikeLike
I am not as “up” on the ETO history as I should be, so I’ve afraid I can not comment.
LikeLike
Great story on Woody, very interesting military history for a young man,
Still going strong at 90, hats off to a great soldier.
Ian
LikeLike
I was very happy to locate this story (Just as I am with so many of the vets). Wish there was time, energy and space to get them all! That’s why I need everyone out there to tell ME the stories they know and put them here in the comments . Thanks for taking the time to read, Ian.
LikeLike
I am really glad to see that you are putting these stories down for people to read. Your images are awesome and articles well done. This story is great, I wish more of the younger set could read these. Thank you for your service!
LikeLike
Thank you very much for the compliments. I don’t see why the younger set don’t, I have quite a few who click the Follow button – but they are doing that thinking I will immediately follow back! Have to correct you on one point – the Gravatar picture is my father, due to his insistence, I never served. Maybe this is my way.
LikeLike
Okay, I understand. My father could not serve either, he was color blind and was deaf in one ear. I think 4F was his classification. When I mentioned the images, I was referring to some of the other pictures, recruiting posters, I think. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
LikeLike
My father served with the 11th A/B, and did not put his foot down about much – but on this – he was firm.
LikeLike
“I felt I had to fight for the country. I wanted to end the war.” Now, there’s a statement. Usually, I hear people saying something along the lines of the first sentence. This is the first time I’ve heard anyone say what he said in the second sentence. That’s quite the concept. Going to war with the aim to stop it.
His heart was in the right place. Those who started it all seemed as though they could go on fighting forever but he was tired of all the loss. He wanted to be part of an effort to finally bring it to a standstill.
LikeLike
You nailed it down perfectly, Allan. That generation produced quite a bunch of very strong people, both the men and women. Thanks for taking the time to read the posts.
LikeLike
What an inspiring post! We all need to reflect and remember all those who served our country.
LikeLike
Thank you – my sentiments exactly, Lorri.
LikeLike
What an American Mr. Gorbach is indeed. And as shown many times, war is being at the right place at the right time, or the wrong place at the wrong time. I am sure he relives some of the horrors each night.
When I see these men today as well as their photo in uniform so many years ago, life becomes much more humble. They had tremendous hardship and fright while we struggle with insults in social media or complain our hash browns are overcooked. It pains me to see them in their sunset of their lives after giving so much.
Luckily for these soldiers of old, though, was that their military leaders were competent: Ike, Bradley, Patton, Nimitz, Bolivar, LeMay, Stillwell, etc. Now, our top military leaders have been drummed out. And for Mr. Gorbach to have to still work at 90 while so many millions receive handouts? What gives, America?
Off my soap box..
LikeLike
I agree with everything, Koji – except one statement. Woody doesn’t HAVE to work – just as many of the Greatest Generation, you just can’t keep them down. He got bored with retirement and went back to work because he wanted to. But – as far as those handouts go — don’t get me started on how people think they are owed welfare money while our veterans do without – now look who is on their soap box!!!
LikeLike
Who? LOL Well, I am certainly elated Woody just WANTS to work. Whew!
LikeLike
Not unusual for the Greatest Generation, eh?!
LikeLike
Thank you for telling us about Sherri, when you speak with her send her my love and prayers….
LikeLike
Of course I will Patty, that was why I mentioned it. I want her to know her friends are behind her. Thank you!! ❤
LikeLike
Any word on how her husband is doing?
LikeLike
The doctors are waiting before the next procedure – I’m afraid this is going to take some time.
LikeLike
My heart goes out to her and her husband. She has always been here for me – you know what a special person she is. Thank you for being there for her.
LikeLike
I try, Patty. She is super special and that is one couple who deserves everyone’s prayers.
LikeLike
I love these stories you share. They should never be forgotten.
LikeLike
You and I think alike, Cindy. Thanks for coming by.
LikeLike
Another brave soldier and an interesting story. Thanks for sharing this one GP 🙂
LikeLike
My pleasure, Norma. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
I love reading your blog and I think a lot of Sheri. Prayers for Sheri and Tom tonight.
LikeLike
I’ll send the word, thanks.
LikeLike
What a wonderful attitude–every day’s a gift. I need to adopt that.
LikeLike
He seemed so cheerful and modest, didn’t he?
LikeLike
Another amazing story. Too bad he can’t get a politician’s retirement. I think all veterans should. But, hey, nobody ever listens to me! 😛 Prayers going out to Sheri and her husband.
LikeLike
Thank you for coming by today, Linda. I’ll pass on you note to Sheri in the event she is too busy at the moment to read it here.
LikeLike
He has a real talent for survival – perhaps, as demonstrated by his ”retirement”. that he refuses to give up!
LikeLike
THAT is why I decided to write the article and why I appreciate you reading it.
LikeLike
Thanks , again , for consistently putting out interesting and meaningful posts .
LikeLike
You know I’m trying, Dan. Thanks for always being there to read them!
LikeLike
And after all of that he is still working at 90! –Curt
LikeLike
I do believe that is why they are considered the Greatest Generation, Curt. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Thank you for such meaningful service stories! My prayers are with you Sherri!
LikeLike
Andre, these stories deserve the attention they are now receiving, although many are after the fact. I can only hope they result in more concern for our veterans. I’ll be certain to pass on your prayers to Sheri, in the event she doesn’t see them here.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
These are important stories that you share while these men are still alive – 90 and still working is also amazing! Little details like ‘he developed trench foot’ speak to the dreadful conditions, besides the bombs and bullets, that they endured. Hopeful story about the young vet who is making a recovery and has been helped with his own custom built home. These young people are too often neglected by our governments once they’ve done their duty.
LikeLike
I thank you for your comments on Woody and agree totally with your remarks about our younger veterans, Carol. I appreciate your time and concern for these men, they ALL must be remembered.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Lest We Forget and commented:
Remembering those who must never be forgotten.
LikeLike
Thank you for the honor of a reblog, Pierre. Lest We Forget!
LikeLike
This once untold story, one out of millions untold stories, deserved to be told.
There are no unimportant story.
This is why I started to write a blog about it, and then had to write more.
I just had to.
Call this a mission, but I don’t have to put my life on the line.
LikeLike
I understand what you’re saying.
LikeLike
How amazing that this should be your intermission story for today, because I saw this in our newspaper and thought I must share it with you…http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/10044499/Veterans-to-commemorate-Monte-Cassino … our veterans off to Monte Cassino. Do you have a link that explains the honour flights?
Sad news about Sheri’s husband. Will be thinking of them and wishing them well.
LikeLike
That is an amazing coincidence! Talk about being on the same page! The following is for the organization, but they also have a Wiki page.
http://www.honorflight.org
LikeLike
What a great programme. But this is a horrifying statistic ..”According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans die each day. Our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out.” I do hope everyone who wants to be on the honour flight gets their chance.
LikeLike
I know. That statistic used to be – losing 900 WWII vets a day – but as the numbers dwindling down…..
LikeLike
😦
LikeLike
I taught with a John Raper at Crystal Lake Middle School in the seventies. He went up those hills. Rarely talked about it. Some guys just kept it bottled up. He was not much of a talker. He had a thick southern accent and the students did not understand a lot of his words so he stuck to paperwork. He worked hard though and always did his job.
LikeLike
Thanks for adding, Barry. Always a pleasure!
LikeLike
I wonder if John is still alive. He went up the hill in Italy with the controversial chapel on it. They blew it up because the Germans had an observation post in it, but they got flack because it was a religious place. How do I find if John is still around?
LikeLike
You can try the association affiliated with his unit or the government archives (which is more difficult.). If you happen to know what town he’s from, try their local newspaper.
LikeLike
Thanks for the info.
LikeLike
Hats off indeed. What a great story.
LikeLike
Thanks, Tish!
LikeLike