Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
3:50 | It was mass confusion when the SS Leopoldville was torpedoed in the English Channel. It started back on the docks in England with units separated and no sensible loading. The Belgian captain couldn't speak English and no one was issuing orders. Cyril Reshetiloff credits some cool headed NCO's for saving as many as possible. (This interview made possible with the support of TSGT JACK FRONTAL USAF RET.)
Keywords : Cyril Reshetiloff SS Leopoldville Christmas Weymouth England submarine (sub) torpedo discipline French German Congolese
His parents fled the Russian revolution to become proud Americans and Cyril Reshetiloff enlisted when war came to their new country in 1941. He wanted to be a chemist and felt lucky to be in the chemical warfare area, but he felt even luckier when he was chosen for the Army Specialized Training Program, which sent him to college. (This interview made possible with the support of TSGT JACK FRONTAL USAF RET.)
The orders came suddenly on Christmas Eve. Pack up, we're crossing the Channel. The scene was chaotic when Cyril Reshetiloff dutifully boarded the SS Leopoldville and chaos ensued again when it was torpedoed only a few miles from Cherbourg. He held on until the last minute and swam for his life. (This interview made possible with the support of TSGT JACK FRONTAL USAF RET.)
The 66th Infantry Division regrouped after losing 800 men in the sinking of the SS Leopoldville. Cyril Reshsetiloff describes the campaign they then faced, and his reassignment to military intelligence after becoming a cook. He went from the mess hall to hanging out in bars in Vienna, listening for information about the Russians. (This interview made possible with the support of TSGT JACK FRONTAL USAF RET.)
Cyril Reshetiloff's unit was at a standoff with German troops, who were the targets of a daily American barrage. A lot of shells were expended trying to hit a building that was frequented by German officers. Just what was in that building? (This interview made possible with the support of TSGT JACK FRONTAL USAF RET.)
Cyril Reshetiloff pays tribute to Captain Clyde Dinwiddie, with whom he served in the European Campaign and whom he considered a great leader. He has less admiration for political leadership in the years following the war. (This interview made possible with the support of TSGT JACK FRONTAL USAF RET.)
