Anniversary of death, Marechal des Logis Th. Hanemann

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Dear readers:

On the 6. March 1953 caused by a second attack of what may have been heart failure, died the Marechal des Logis (sergeant) Theodore Hanemann, Mle. 34 155, born 19.February 1925 in Poland.

M.d.L. Haneman was in command of the 2.Platoon of the 5.Compagnie Portee ( mounted infantry) of the amphibious units of the 1. REC deployed in the northern part of Vietnam during 1951 - 1954. He came from the 3.REI to replace the fallen M.d.L. Sombrutzki who was taken from us in combat on 28 June, 1952. Both were outstanding leaders and highly regarded by their men who were for the most part Vietnamese.

The 2. Platoon thus had the misfortune of losing two of their commanders while the 1. Platoon lost one . The 3. Platoon ( which I considered the "lucky one") none and also had the fewest fatal losses of men. Their commander was the M.d.L. Salcedo , a cautious leader who on one occasion refused a careless order of a frontal advance on a defended position .

Here are some pictures of our M.d.L. Hanemann following the captions:

In the field January 1953, M.d.L. Hanemann in raincoat and wearing helmet liner

Has award presented

During an awards ceremony as platoon leader 2.Platoon:

Reviewing some photos: from your left M.d.L. Ossenbrink, Mocanu,

Hanemann, Capitaine A. Viard Company Commander and M.d.L. Major Tabournel Company Sergeant Major and commander 1.Platoon.

M.d.L. Theodore Hanemann on his deathbed as we saw him for the last time and say our goodbye:

The above is placed here in respectful remembrance of a well liked veteran infantry cadre who in the lowest rank of non-commissioned officers in the French Army was entrusted with the leadership of a platoon of mainly Vietnamese trooper. He came up to expectations and his loss was truly felt.

Bernhard H. Holst

formerly of the 1.REC during 1951-1953 and 1954 - 1956