Breakup of our Wartime Family 

After the end of action in the Pacific, formation of plans — to get the Americans back to the US — began to accelerate but several months would pass before all of the 1092nd Signal Company was back home. Eventually, small groups were assembled for transportation to collection centers, from which they would be sent home. The order, in which this process was executed, depended on how many ‘Points’ each man had accumulated — ‘length of service’ being only one of several determining factors. Every time a group was being ‘shipped’ out, many of the ones being left behind would stand around with long faces and watery eyes. Two and half years of togetherness had created strong bonds and friendships that would last a lifetime.

Although many of us stayed in touch by letter, Christmas card or personal visits, our first organized reunion did not take place until 1982 — 37 years after our separation in Elveden. I guess we had just gotten too busy with our personal lives. The first reunion was a resounding success. About 60 attended — including spouses. On the first day, we spent most of the afternoon and night hanging around the Hospitality room laughing and ‘shooting-the-breeze’, mostly about Elveden. At that time, it was decided that reunions would happen at least as often as every two years.

An Extremely Brief Summation

Regarding our wartime experience, a few of we veterans say, 'I wouldn't take a million dollars for the experience and I wouldn't give a penny to have it again'.

©2000 Mike Fulkerson