It was a blow when we started losing our old-timers and high-pointers during redeployment. On
the 4th of July, Colonel Norris brought the bulk of the battalion together for the last time in the Rec hall.
1st Sgt. King of HQ Battery received the Silver Star, and several Bronze Stars were presented by the
Colonel. He followed the presentation by a talk in which he bid farewell to the 79 men and 8 officers
who were to leave the next day, and those who would follow them. Most of us had been together since
the first, and it was a sad day for all. The Colonel wished the departing men God Speed and turned to
the task ahead. The task of building a new outfit with the nucleus of those who remained. The battalion
would go on and perhaps write another chapter such as this in the combat history of the 345th Field
Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division.
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