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0019-W2M-03/2003
Fletcher Thorne-Thomsen
Tech Sergeant
U. S. Army
WWII US Military
Dates of Service: 10/15/1942 - 02/26/1946
Intelligence NCO, 405th Armored Field Artillery
Images

"When we went into Dauchau, we had no idea whatsoever what we were getting into," says this soldier who was one of the first to witness the tragedy of one of the most infamous concentration camps. Born in Gary, Indiana Fletcher was a member of the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program) while in college. He was sent to basic training in 1944. He shipped out to Europe as part of the 405th Armored Field Artillery. He served in the Third Army of Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr. as a forward observer. Fletcher also worked in reconnaissance and survey to lay out areas for artillery fire. An avid photographer, he enjoyed liberating the Rolleiflex camera factory in Germany. Near end of war he set up photographic laboratories around Germany to process film for soldiers.