4/12 Infantry: Blue Elvis

I was in the bar in Ettelbruck when Eric Whitmore got his nickname.

The place was packed with GIs and locals, all celebrating the annual commemoration of the liberation of Luxemburg. Most of us were sipping the local beer, a fairly ordinary pils brewed over in Diekirch. For some reason -- and, well, who needs a reason? -- Eric ordered himself an extravagant mixed drink. The key ingredient was blue curacao, which lends an almost magical color to clear spirits. It was like he was holding a cupful of Mediterranean sky.

We were all arsing around singing Hank Williams and Elvis tunes. Out of that, somehow, Blue Elvis was born.

By the way, that drink was filthy. I tried it, that's how I know.

Last time I saw Eric Whitmore was 'round about New Years Eve 1989. He happened to step around the street corner coming down to the Chuck Wagon at the exact moment I was thumping some idiot from 2/68 Armor.

But that's a story for another day.

p.s. Add your name to the roster now!

4/12 Inf (M), Baumholder FRG 1989

Here are a few more fellows who were with us in 1989. I originally posted this over at 1/39 Infantry web beacon, but I'm reasonably confident that both of them were still there in 1989 for the redesignation to 4/12 Inf.

SFC Norman, whose first name I forget, had moved up very quickly through the ranks. Although I wouldn't swear to it I think he had been a teacher before joining the Army and I'm pretty sure he made it to E-7 in four years. He had been with the Berlin Brigade and met his wife in Berlin. SFC Norman was assigned to Alpha Company 1/39 Infantry before being tapped for a job with the S-3 shop.

SGT James Farrell was with Echo Company 1/39 Infantry as an 11 Hotel. Originally from Saint Joseph Missouri, he'd been around the Army for a while including a tour in Korea and -- am I right here? -- Fort Campbell. He and his wife lived out in Niederalben at the east end of the tank trail.

I had both of them pegged as potential CSMs, and I hope they got there, too.

p.s. Add your name to the roster now!

Baumholder 1989 -- Two 4/12 Infantry Vets

Just posted a note about a few fellows over at the 1/39 Infantry web beacon. Two of them, I'm pretty sure, were also with 4/12 Inf:

SFC Rick Williams
SFC Stanley

Both had assignments in HHC at one time or another. Although I heard that Rick Williams was a police officer in the Southeast (Nashville?), I haven't had any luck finding him.

Sure would be glad to hear from anyone who knows where to find either of them.

By the way, please add your name to the roster while you're here!