Help Me ID a WWII Army Unit
Some photos, unclassified, were mailed to my grandparents. The return address is:
MAJ P. C. Bosse
Hdqs WPBC, APO 244
c/o P. Va. San Francisco
The postmark is June 28, 1945 by the US Army Postal Service.
I think MAJ Paul C. Bosse is the mustached gent in the photos. I'd like to find out more about the unit, MAJ Bosse, and his connection to my grandparents. An internet search for "Paul C. Bosse" or "P. C. Bosse" turned up nothing.
This link seems to indicate that the WPBC was a Personnel Center & Casual Depot. There are more photos, however, which made me think it might be something else (not withstanding the one officer's Adjutant General branch insignia). These photos show the troops, mixed race(!), in the field with white and black NCOs. However, just as in the beach photo, the officers wearing "helmets" are actually only wearing the "Liner, Helmet"! That's not what would have happened in combat operations. Any information on this subject
you send me would be welcome but please avoid the BS.
What I have found on Paul C. Bosse:
Born in New York state 4 Dec 1907, residence was New York City, he was married and had children on 17 Jun 1942 when he enlisted. His dad was worth $840,000 in 1930! He died 13 Dec 1973 in Warrensburg, New York. His wife was Anne Gillette Bosse and they had 3 daughters (Anne, Susan and Constance). So I believe I've found the connection. Paul Bosse knew my grandmother from Lake George where he met his wife Anne Gillette at or near Sabbath Day Point. I'd like to know more...
U P D A T EI've been given the following info:
- WPBC APO 244 for 1945 is for Western Pacific Base Command, Saipan.
- Maj Bosse was Asst Chief of Staff of G2 for WPBC. Here is an article he wrote assessing Japanese civilians:
http://www.jstor.org/pss/2745220Labels: Family, History, Military
