Gallery dedicated to Ivan Muilenburg who proudly served in the 549th.
His son, Tim Muilenburg, is searching for anyone who may have known his father during the war, or is interested in sharing their stories about serving in the 549th AAA AW, or anyone that had their family member serve with this unit.

My Uncle, Melvin Amelung, also served in this unit.

Please make contact if you are connected in any way to any of these names shown in this gallery of names under this picture!

Also if you have timeline of where this unit was for month of December - 1944.
Morning reports could not be located for this unit for this month at national records center.

UPDATE 8-2007
We have found and talked with two wonderful gentlemen from this unit!

Cpl Howard A. Rishel (in unit pic – he is in 1st row - #21 from left)
Sgt Wayne L. Luedke ( in unit pic – he is 2nd row - # 9 from left)

Both were very humble in their discussing their time/place in the war.
When Mr. Luedke gave me permission to give his name, he stated,
“I guess that would be fine – but just don’t make me out a hero anywhere..…I was just one of 16 million – I was just a Buck Sgt.”
and “put my picture small.”

A news article that featured Mr. Luedke describing his time/place in the war serving in the 549th has now been posted on the main 87th ID page under "News Articles" It is titled, "CALL HIM LUCKY"

He recalls maybe three more men who were from around St, Louis, MO
Cpl August Mormino –
(In unit pic - he is in 5th row from bottom # 26th from left),

Pvt Edward C. Merkel –
(In unit pic – he is in 4th row from bottom - #12 from left),

Pvt Robert Smith –
(In unit pic – he is in 5th row from bottom # 21 from left).

The 549th AAA has had several reunions in St. Louis, and Branson, MO, but as far as he knows, there hasn’t been one in several years.

Update - Aug - 2007
Mr. Luedke gracioulsy sent me original pictures he took during his service and okayed me to scan and place on this gallery.
It will take a few days to get all scanned and placed.
Again, we would appreciate any posting of comments or info after viewing these photos.

Update - September - 2007 -
Found PFC Laverne White
Mr. Ivan Muilenburg's son, Tim Muilenburg, saw Mr. White's picture in the latest edition of the Golden Acorn (the magazine of the 87th ID)!
From there he made contact and met him -both living in Iowa.
He shared information - and gave Tim a Roster with names/addresses.
We are so grateful.
My dad sent letters to many but most were returned - now deceased.
Mr. White's individual photo has been added to this gallery.

Update - December - 2007
Cpl August Mormino's son, Tony Mormino contacted me after finding his Dad's name listed here!
I sent him my research story and information about all contacts made and then he called Mr. Luedke.
We have added Cpl August Mormino to the individual men in this gallery.


549th AAA AW BN BTRY C
87th Infantry Division.
Involved in the Battle Of The Bulge - WWII.

87th Infantry Division Association main web site:
http://www.87thinfantrydivision.com