Updated 9 Nov 2023

The Life of Wilton Lawrence "Bud" Simmons, 3 September 1910 – 14 June 1972
31 October 2023

Bud was born in the small northern California farming and college town of Chico, the second child (and second son) of Frank & Ida Simmons. It's unknown the rationale of Bud's parents, Frank & Ida, to have given Bud the given name, Wilton. There is no "Wilton" in the Simmons family tree, at least many generations back. Perhaps Bud's mother Ida had taken to the like of the name "Wilton" as Wilton is a small farming community in Iowa, approximately 10 miles north of Muscatine - the town where Ida was born and grew up. Wilton Bud experienced as a child a difficult life, the result of the death of his five-month-old sister due a health difficulty and at age 10, Bud's father died of the Spanish Flu during the pandemic. Bud went to work following completion of required education, elementary school, i.e., 8th grade. He worked first for a fruit cannery and then as a printer. At age 19 he entered the California National Guard. It was in 1936 when Bud met Virginia Fowler. They became a true couple of best friends, a deep friendship which they maintained for the remainder of their lives. Bud spent 32 years as a soldier, one who excelled and took on greater responsibility. As a company commander he led soldiers in combat during WW II in the Pacific theater. Following promotion to major and as the S-4 (Supply Officer) of the 184th Infantry Regiment during the Philippine and Okinawa Campaigns he ensured three Infantry battalions received the necessary supplies on time to win battles. Following the war, and the birth of four children, Bud put first that which was best for his wife and children. Never did the children witness a disagreement between the Bud and Virginia. Bud was a disciplinarian, but the kids leaned fast at an early age. As sons, Skip, and Dick, got older in the 1960s and went off to the Army, to West Point and eventually to Vietnam and said good bye each time to their mother and father, my father openly cried hard. We were fortunate to have such a father and mother.


Childhood

Wilton Lawrence (Bud) Simmons was born in Chico, Butte County, California on 3 September 1910, the second child of Charles Franklin Simmons and Ida Caroline (Allwardt) Simmons, of 330 Oak Street.

Wilton's father, Charles Franklin "Frank" Simmons, was the fifth child of farmer William M.A. Simmons and Mary Permelia [Bowden] Simmons, and was born 29 October 1884 in Sutter, California. Unfortunately, Frank's mother died a few months after Frank's birth. As a result of William's farming and the challenge of raising five children, the two youngest Simmons children, Frank and his sister, Jennie, moved into the Chico home of their grandparents, James Frederick and Mary M. (Elton) Bowden. Frank became a well-known resident of Chico, was employed by the soda works and at age 18, was elected a member of Western Hose Company in Chico.

Wilton's mother, Ida Caroline Allwardt of Chico, at age 22 married Frank Simmons on 17 October 1908 in San Jose. Ida was born 9 December 1885 in Muscatine, Iowa. She was the third child, of seven, born to William and Lizzie (Sander) Allwardt. In 1890, Ida and her family of seven (her two youngest brothers had not been born yet) moved to California, settling in the town of Fort Bragg on the north coast of California. In 1899, when Ida was 14 years old, the Allwardt family moved east from Fort Bragg, to the small town of Chico in the Sacramento Valley. Her father then secured a position on the Bidwell ranch. He soon became gardener about the Bidwell Mansion grounds in Chico. Ida continued her education in the Chico public schools, and attended the Chico Normal School (became California State University at Chico).

The first child of Frank and Ida was Robert William "Bob" Simmons, born in Chico on 9 August 1909. On 14 November 1912, the third child of Frank and Ida was born, Frances Elizabeth Simmons. On or about 15 April 1913, Ida, Frank, Bob, Bud, and their baby sister, Frances, moved to Oakland, CA in order that the little girl might receive the attention of a medical specialist. Frances died at their Oakland home on 20 April 1913. She was buried in the Allwardt plot of the Chico Cemetery.

From fall 1913 until the summer 1916 or early 1917, the Simmons family of four lived at 42 Lloyd Street in San Francisco. Lloyd Street is a narrow, steep, one-way up hill street off Divisadero Street, near Alamo Square

The family moved north to Ukiah, California in late summer 1916 or early 1917. They made their home at Clara Ave. Bud's father became the proprietor of the Ukiah Ice Works, the Grace Bros. Ice and Brewing Co. On his WWI draft registration card dated 12 September 1918, Frank, at age 33, listed his occupation as "ice dealer" and employer as "self."

On 19 November 1918, Ida's husband of ten years and father of their two sons, Frank Simmons, died at home in Ukiah, a victim of influenza. He contracted the disease while on a business trip to San Francisco the previous week. Ida and her two sons (Robert and Wilton) were unable to accompany the body to Chico, owing to having been stricken with the flu as well. Frank was survived by his father, two brothers and two sisters. Frank was buried in Chico Cemetery on Saturday, 23 Nov 1918.

Significant Events of Chico

1910 Census recorded Chico's population as 11, 775.

22 May 1915, an explosive eruption at Lassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, devastated nearby areas and rained volcanic ash as far away as 200 miles to the east. This explosion was the most powerful in a 1914-17 series of eruptions that were the most recent to occur in the Cascades prior to the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens.
March 19, 1918, Annie Bidwell dies and is buried with her husband in the Chico Cemetery.
1920 Census records Chico's population as 15,517.

Bud's mother, Ida, entered the employ of the Chico Record newspaper in 1921 as a clerk.
In the mid-1920s, her youngest son, Bud, left school to find employment. He moved 70 miles south of Chico to Yuba City, where he canned fruit, while living with his uncle and aunt, William L., and Hulda (Allwardt) Simmons. At age 17, on 20 June 1928, Bud enlisted in the 184th Infantry Regiment, California National Guard. He was assigned specifically to G Company which was in Chico. A 20 August 1929 letter from his unit commander is addressed to Pvt. Wilton L. Simmons, 125 Walnut Street, Yuba City, California.
(We do not know what her elder son, Robert, was doing during this time)

On 14 March 1930, at age 45, and 12 years after her husband's death from the flu, Bud's mother remarried to William Taylor "Bill" Banta (W.T. Banta was born 9 Feb 1888 in Slaughter, Washington). Ida and Bill resided in the Simmons home at 330 Oak Street.

1930 US Federal Census taken 1 April 1930 Yuba City in Sutter County reflects:
The census entry for the Rowe family includes Edith's nephew Wilton L. "Bud" Simmons (age 19) [son of Charles Franklin Simmons] was living in the home as a "lodger"; and occupation – laborer, and veteran status - yes.

Life in Chico 1931 - 1941

September 1931 to March 1941, Bud was a printer, operating platen and cylinder presses, typesetter, bookkeeping, in small commercial plant, Hurst & Moore, in Chico. Starting salary was $2 per week.

On 1 June 1933, Bud was appointed to the highest enlisted duty position in G Company [Chico], that of First Sergeant of G Company. It's miraculous and a significant achievement rarely matched that that in a few weeks less than 5 years, Bud earned the confidence of the G Company and battalion commanders as he demonstrated superior leadership and soldier expertise while progressing through the ranks and duty positions, including squad leader and platoon sergeant.

1934 San Francisco Dock Strike and G Company [Chico], 184th Infantry Regiment, National Guard of California

SOURCE: Extracts "1934 San Francisco Dock Strike: Introduction and Activities of the National Guard of California" completed in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in conjunction with the National Guard of California and the California State Library. With the exception of mentioning Wilton L Simmons by name, all of the following verbiage about the 1934 Dock Strike is extracted verbatim from the Source document.

Early in 1934, the labor unions of San Francisco were interspersed with a strong radical and communistic element which first made itself felt on March 17 of that year, when the San Francisco Bay District local of the International Longshoreman's Association voted practically unanimously for a strike unless a compromise could be agreed upon. On 3 July 1934, to the accompaniment of cracking revolvers, exploding gas shells and [gas] grenades, widespread rioting occurred with injuries to scores of persons. The action took place near Pier 38 (in the vicinity of China Basin, where SF Giants baseball Park is now located). Calm followed on 4 July, Independence Day.

On 5 July, wide spread rioting occurred again. The results of the day were: Two men shot to death. Twenty-seven suffering from gunshot wounds, forty-five beaten, clubbed, and gassed. The riots raged from early morning until after dark. They ranged from the Third and Townsend Streets Station to Fisherman's Wharf, and from the Embarcadero, several blocks up town. One thousand SF police were engaged in the struggle with 5,000 infuriated, slugging, rock-throwing, club-wielding strikers.

That same day, July 5th, California's governor directed the Adjutant General of the State of California to order into active service select elements of the active militia [National Guard of California] including elements of the 184th Infantry Regiment sufficient to protect life and property and to maintain peace and order.

On 6 July, not long after day break the one thousand seven hundred National Guard soldiers had moved on to the Embarcadero, were quartered on piers, took over from the police and established complete control of the waterfront. From Fisherman's Wharf on the one end down past the long line of piers, past the Ferry Building to the southern end of the 3 ½ mile stretch of the waterfront, sentries began their patrols. They wore full action equipment with steel helmets, bayonets and loaded guns. They wore grim faces too. Many were youths but they looked determined. On pier roofs, behind barricades at strategic points, machine guns were mounted and manned. "Keep the strike pickets moving," was one of their orders. Bayonets were ready to enforce that. The soldiers walked briskly up and down the pier line.

There was no serious trouble. Within that area, maintenance of peace, law and order was entirely within the discretion of the officers in command of the troops. Civil laws were superseded by military necessity. All limits of penalties provided in civil law constitutional guarantees as to trial, were replaced by martial dictum. Military commanders could arrest all violators of regulations; they could establish military courts and try prisoners therein; they could impose such penalties as they saw fit, even death by shooting, if necessary. They could confine prisoners in their own stockades or guard houses, or they could arrange to turn them over to the regular constituted civil authorities and have them held as long as the military directed.

That same day, July 6th, Company G, Second Battalion, 1B4th Infantry [of Chico], commanded by CPT Raymond G Steele, was called for active duty and ordered to report in Berkeley at 4:00 A.M. on 7 July. Co G reported as ordered. On 9 July, G Company, including 1SG Wilton L. "Bud" Simmons, was relieved of duty in Berkeley and ordered to San Francisco where the company was assigned to Sector six, Pier 50 B.

On 16 August, a general strike began in San Francisco at 8 a.m. when seventy-five thousand workers quit. All San Francisco street car movement was halted. On 18 July, National Guard troops were authorized to render aid to civil authorities in any part of the city. Pushing ahead with their announced mopping up campaign against Communist agitators, National Guardsmen and San Francisco police smashed their way into the Seaboard Hotel, on the San Francisco waterfront, a focal point in the bloody riots of a few days previous. On July 20, the San Francisco Union Labor Council declared the general strike ended. On July 21 the strike completely collapsed. All barricades were removed. Sentry points of three men each were established and the remainder withdrawn. At 5:00 p.m., a formal review was conducted of all the troops.

Conclusion to the California National Guard Dock Strike report:
"There was comparatively little disorder during the period the troops were on active duty. No fatalities were inflicted by the National Guardsmen, nor were any injuries suffered by any member of the Guard at the hands of disorderly elements. In no case did any organization, unit or individual of the National Guard fail to accomplish an assigned task or to perform any duty in the manner expected."

"While apprehension may have been felt in some circles when the Guardsmen moved into position along the San Francisco waterfront; because of the youthfulness of the men, all fear that they were undisciplined and lacked the training necessary in the performance of duties of the character of those so suddenly thrust upon them, was dispelled immediately after the troops were established along the Embarcadero. Throughout the entire period of their emergency duty the officers and enlisted men of the Guard went about their duties in a manner that would have done credit to older more seasoned and more experienced soldiers. Nor was there a single act of disobedience; not a single false or ill-advised move to mar the splendid record held by California's National Guard."

On 20 January 1936, Bud had his first date with Mary Virginia Fowler, an employee of Chico's Butte Tractor Company.

In the 1937, the filming of "Robin Hood" in Bidwell Park began. One hundred actors, including the well-known Hollywood actors, Errol Flynn, Allen Hale and Olivia DeHavilland, and their accompanying film crews moved into or near Chico. Many company members had rooms in the Hotel Oaks and many took an active part in Chico's social life. "The Adventures of Robin Hood" in Technicolor was shown in a Chico theater in May 1938. On the first showing on May 15th, the city schools were closed to permit the students to attend a 2:30 pm matinee."
Source: History of Butte County, Vol 1, by Joseph F McGie.

Mary Virginia was a Catholic and Bud was a very active Mason. In those days, in order to marry in the Catholic Church, the non-Catholic member was expected to make a promise that all children resulting from the union would be baptized and raised as Catholics. Bud would not do that.

Bud was an active member of the 20-30 Club of Chico. The Association of the 20-30 Clubs of The United States of America published a monthly magazine, The Twenty-Thirteen, nation-wide for young men in the ages of twenty to thirty years of age. Annual subscription was $2. With a few exceptions in the states of Ohio and Texas, in 1938 the clubs had expanded only through the 8 western-most states. Members of 20-30 were encouraged to write articles and submit them for inclusion in the monthly magazine. The October 1938 edition included on pages 15 and 16 an article on Lassen National Park, titled Should You Visit Lassen, by Wilton L. Simmons, Chico, California. The Editor's note at the beginning of the article read, "This is one of a series of articles designated to familiarize Twenty-Thirtians planning to attend the San Francisco Convention with the natural wonderland to which San Francisco is the gateway, so that they may enjoy the trip to the fullest extent. In the article, Bud described the natural wonders of the park that a visitor would experience while driving through the park, beginning at the south entrance, and concluding by hiking to the top of Mt. Lassen.

2 October 1940, First Sergeant WL Simmons, Co G, 184th Infantry, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry. His first assignment in Company G was Rifle Platoon Leader, responsible for leading and training approximately 30 soldiers.

By 1941, Bud's salary at Hurst & Moore had grown to $45 per week.

7 February – 2 March 1941, Bud attended the 40th Division School of Instruction in Los Angeles

On 3 March 1941, the 184th Infantry was inducted into Federal Service

October 1941 to May 1942, Mary Virginia was living in Apartment 19 at 1416 Q Street in Sacramento. She worked at Butte Tractor Company, 1101 Del Paso Blvd, North Sacramento. Her diary for the week preceding the Oct 7, 1941 wedding, read:
"Mon Sep 29, Bud came home unexpectedly today
-Wed Oct 1, Wonderful day! We bought our rings
-Sat Oct 4, Bud called today to say he was going to Fort Benning on Thursday
-Mon 6 Oct, Hurriedly bought wedding clothes
-Tue 7 Oct, The happiest day of my life --- our wedding day
-Wed 8 Oct, Drove leisurely down to San Luis Obispo
-Thur 9 Oct, Bud left today at 1:00 pm for Georgia – lonesome ride back to Sacramento
-Fri 10 Oct, Back at the office"

Wilton L Simmons and Mary Virginia Fowler were married on Tuesday, October 7, 1941 in Carson City, Ormsby County, NV. Gilbert & Erika Alm of Sacramento signed the Certificate of Marriage as witnesses.

Article from the 8 October 1941 Chico Record of Chico, Butte Co., California read:
"Mary Virginia Fowler Wilton L. Simmons Married at Reno
Miss Mary Virginia Fowler and First Lieutenant Wilton L Simmons of Camp San Luis Obispo were married yesterday afternoon at Reno Nevada. Miss Fowler graduated from the local schools and attended Chico State College. She has been employed with the Butte Tractor and Equipment Company in Chico and at Sacramento. She is the daughter of Mrs. Phillis Fowler of Chico. Lieut. Simmons is a son of Mrs. W.T. Banta of this city. He was graduated from the Chico school and is now stationed at Camp San Luis Obispo. Before entering the service, he was employed by the firm of Hurst & Moore. He is a member of the 20-30 Club and the Masonic Lodge. Those attending the wedding from Chico were Mesdames Fowler, Doyle and Banta and Mrs. and Mrs. J.T. Alm."

The Chico Record (Chico, CA), pg. Four, Fri, 10 Oct 1941,"Sacramento Dinner Honors Lieutenant, Mrs. Simmons
A dinner at El Rancho near Sacramento Tuesday night honored First Lieutenant and Mrs. Wilton Simmons (Mary Virginia Fowler) whose wedding occurred early that day in Reno. The dinner was given by Mr. and Mrs. JT Alm of Chico, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Alm and Mr. and Mrs. M.L Elken of Sacramento. An elaborately decorated wedding cake centered the table where there were place for the bride and groom, Mr and Mrs W.T. Banta, Mrs Phillis Fowler, Chico Mr and Mrs AE Rice of Sacramento, former Chico residents Mr and Mrs PO Bathen Sacramento, Miss Roberts and Eric Bathen of Redding and the six host and hostesses. All attended the wedding with the exception of Miss Roberts and Eric Bathen who joined the party just before the dinner. Mr and Mrs Gilbert Alm attended the couple at the ceremony. The bride was lovely in an ensemble of R.A.F. blue and hat to match and black accessories. She wore a corsage of rose buds which harmonized with her costume. The bridegroom wore his uniform as a First Lieutenant of the US Army. Today Lieutenant Simmons leaves Camp San Luis Obispo for Fort Benning, GA where he will take the motor maintenance course for the next few months. Mrs. Simmons will return to her position with the Butte Tractor and Equipment Company in Sacramento."

9 October 1LT Simmons began travel by train to Fort Benning GA to attend the Army's 3-monthlong Officer Motor Maintenance Course at the Infantry School.

7 December 1941, Sunday, Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

W. L Simmons during WW II

Bud was an infantry officer assigned to the 184th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. The 7th Division spent WWII in the Pacific fighting against the Japanese. The 7th Div had two other Infantry regimental combat teams - the 17th and the 32d. Each of these three Infantry Regiments, commanded by a full Colonel, was made up of three rifle battalions - each commanded by a lieutenant colonel. Each battalion had 870 men, included a headquarters & service company, three rifle companies and a heavy weapons company with eight .30cal. heavy machine-guns and six 81mm mortars. Each rifle company had 193 men including six officers. Each rifle company was divided into 3 rifle platoons and a weapons platoon, of two .30cal. machine guns and three 60mm mortars, each commanded by a lieutenant. A Division would also have assigned to it armor or tank units, artillery units, engineer units and support troops (communications units, medical units, supply/truck units). But by far the majority of soldiers in an Infantry Division were the infantry soldiers in the three infantry regiments.

During the period June 1941 to March 1942, 1LT Simmons served as the Motor Transport Officer of the 3d Battalion, 184th Infantry.

On 15 March 1942 1LT Simmons assumed command of Company C, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment. On 25 August 1942, 1LT Simmons was promoted to the rank of Captain. He remained in command of C Company for the next 25 months (until 8 April 1944) including during the Aleutians campaign (Kiska, Aug '43) and Eastern Mandates (Kwajalein, Feb'44) campaign.

The 7th Infantry Division trained in California. Some of that training took place at Camp Irwin (which in the early 1980's would become the Army's National Training Center).

The 7th Division's first mission, in May 1943, was to retake the islands far out in in the Aleutians that the Japanese had seized early in the War, Attu and Kiska. First the 7th Div conducted an amphibious assault on the island of Attu. During the three-week battle for Attu, the division lost approximately 1000 soldiers killed in action. The 184th Infantry did not participate in this operation, but had continued along with other Division elements to train in California in preparation for the next phase of the Aleutians campaign, to retake the island of Kiska in mid-August 1943. Kiska was a larger island and had a much larger Japanese force defending it, so expectations were that 7th Division casualties would be much higher retaking it. The ground on Kiska rises from rocky beaches on the south to abrupt cliffs on the north. These cliffs form a wall along the north shoreline which, in some places, is 100 feet in height. The hills rise steeply from the shore line. The Japanese believed the steep cliffs and mountains to be their defense on the north shore. The 184th Infantry Regimental Combat Team (RCT) sailed from San Francisco on 11 July 1943. [Sources: "The Thousand-Mile War – World War II in Alaska and the Aleutians" by Brian Garfield, and "A History of the 7th Infantry Division in World War II" by Edmund G Love]

Army Technical Force No. 9 was established to perform the mission of capturing Kiska. This Force was composed of five similar Task Groups. Each group composed of three Battalion Landing Teams, reinforced. A combination of troops, wise in the ways of the Aleutians, and troops fresh from the United States were to be used. In June of 1943, the forces that were to be ATF No. 9 began to assemble on the island of Adak for training and indoctrination.
[Source: "The Operations of Amphibious Task Force Nine in the Reoccupation of Kiska" by The Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA 1946-1947]

Task Group 87 was composed of the Headquarters, Special Units, 2nd Battalion of the 87th Infantry Regiment (2/87); the 1st Battalion 153rd Infantry (1/153); and the 1st Battalion 184th Infantry (1/184), including A, B, C & D Companies. A good share of the troops in TG 87 had the opportunity to train together for several weeks prior to the actual landing. The landings would take place on the north shore, approximately two miles west of the narrow waist of the island. A small inlet, called Quisling Cove, was selected as the most suitable landing beach. It was estimated that three to five landing craft could be beached at one time. The high hills immediately ashore were expected to give some shelter from the Japanese radar and afford a fair chance of landing first troops in secret. The ground on Kiska rises from rocky beaches on the south to abrupt cliffs on the north. These cliffs form a wall along the north beach which, in some places, is 100 feet in height. The hills rise steeply from the shore line. The Japanese believed the steep cliffs and mountains to be their defense on the north shore. The l/184 was to land, move to the left and up Persian Ridge, follow the ridge line east into the interior of the island and occupy positions along Persian Ridge and Larry Hill. Task Group 17 landing on D-Day would be on their left flank. 2/87 would land, move to the right and up Russian Ridge, follow the ridge past Lead Hill to Lard Hill and occupy the high ground running generally east and west in front of the Task Group beach. 1/153 would follow the 2/87 ashore and move to the right and up Russian Ridge. On 15 August 1943, Operation COTTAGE, the retaking of the last Japanese held island in the Aleutians commenced. After an unopposed landing, the regiment found that the Japanese garrison had been evacuated. For the next several days, the soldiers of the 7th Division and Canadian Soldiers covered the entire island and found no Japanese – just lots of equipment. In fact, after their defeat on Attu, the Japanese had decided that holding Kiska would be impossible, so over several nights, they secretly evacuated their soldiers from the island. The Soldiers of the 7th Infantry Division including those of the 184th Infantry were each awarded a bronze campaign star for the Aleutians campaign to be affixed to the ribbon on their Asia – Pacific Campaign Medal.
[Sources: "Operations of Task Group 87 at Kiska, 15 July – 25 August 1943" by the Infantry School, Fort Benning, 1946-1947]

The 7th Division returned to Hawaii for more training and to prepare for their next mission. Their next mission would be to take part in Operation FLINTLOCK in the Feb '44, the seizure of the Marshall Islands. The Marshall Islands were also known as the Eastern Mandates, as the Marshall had been taken from German control by edict of the League of Nations following WW I and assigned to Japan as mandates. The Marshalls consist of 32 separate island groups spread over 400,000 square miles of ocean. Kwajalein Atoll, the world's largest coral atoll, with over 90 islands, is in the geographic center of the Marshalls and is approximately 2,100 miles southwest of Pearl Harbor. The southernmost island of Kwajalein Atoll is Kwajalein Island – 3 miles long, ½ mile wide. As the soldiers of the 7th Division prepared for FLINTLOCK, they took into account the lessons learned by the Marines, Nov 20-22 '43, during their attack on Tarawa, an island in the Gilbert Island chain, about 2/3 the size of Kwajalein, and about 600 miles east of Kwajalein. In this three-day battle against 4000 Japanese defenders, the Marines lost 1300 Marines killed of the 18,000 or so Marines who stormed ashore under very heavy fire from the defenders. The 7th Division with its three regimental combat teams (RCT), including the 184th Infantry boarded multiple transport ships at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, where they had been training, departed Hawaii on 22 January and made the long trip to Kwajalein Atoll.

[The following description of 184th Infantry during the battle for Kwajalein was extracted from the book sources: "Island Victory – the Battle of Kwajalein Atoll" by Lieutenant Colonel S.L.A. Marshall, and "Seizure of The Gilberts and Marshalls (from the US Army series: The U.S. Army in WW II – The War in the Pacific) by Philip A Crowl and Edmund G. Love]

Day 1, on February 1st, following about 24 hours of bombardment of Kwajalein Island by naval gunfire from the US ships and bombing by Navy dive bombers, the 184th Infantry conducted an amphibious assault touching down at 9:30 AM at the western end of Kwajalein Island, on the left (Red Beach 1), along with the 32d Infantry Regiment, on the right (Red Beach 2), of the 500 yard wide western shoreline of the island, against relatively light Japanese resistance. There was a concrete sea wall along most of the ocean shore and around the northern and western ends of the island. Both RCTs conducted the landing abreast, with their respective battalions in column. For the 184th, 3d Battalion (Companies I, K & L companies), commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Walker, was in the lead, followed by B Company of the 767th Tank Battalion, followed by 2nd Battalion (E, F & G Co.'s), commanded by LTC Carl H. Aulick, followed by the regiment's reserve, the 1st Battalion (A, B & C Co.'s), commanded by LTC Roy Green. 3d Battalion was led by two of its companies operating abreast, Companies I and K, and L Company as battalion reserve. Resistance picked up as the 3/184 moved in land. 2nd Battalion/184th, landed on Red Beach in early afternoon and completed its landing over a 2-hour period, formed a column of companies to mop up the area behind 3d Battalion, and later established a defensive perimeter for the night. 1st Battalion, in reserve, landed between 6PM and 7:30PM. In 184th RCT's zone, the attack stopped at 5PM, when Co L arrived at the western edge of a group of ruined storage buildings just west of the Center Pier. That night, 3/184th was able to repulse a couple of determined Japanese counterattacks. The first day's action had served to emphasize that the main core of the Japanese resistance could no longer be expected along the ocean shore. The Division and regimental staffs realized that the defense had been reoriented to meet an attack from the lagoon. Early the next morning at the time 2/184 passed through 3d Battalion, the battalion had sustained casualties of 14 killed and 54 wounded.

Day 2, on February 2d, ahead of the 184th that morning stretched a long vista of ruined buildings among which were sure to be more of the same pillboxes and shelters that had been encountered by 3d Battalion on the first day. 2d Battalion moved through 3d/184th before 0700 and moved off at 7:15am with companies E and F abreast, with the left flank on the lagoon, and right flank on the airstrip. Company G followed about 150 yards behind as a mopping up force. Each company of the lead battalion had been reinforced with one section of heavy machine guns, one 37-mm antitank gun, five medium tanks and two lights tanks. Responsibility to plan and employ effectively these reinforcements along with the organic platoons of Soldiers and light machine guns would have presented a significant challenge for these company commanders. 2/184th advanced relatively rapidly the first 1,000 yards to Carl Road. Shortly before noon, the forward movement was held up pending organization on an attack in the 32d RCTs zone on the other side of the airfield (ocean side of the island), which included 184th's tanks leaving to support the 32d's attack. The long delay gave the Japanese time to bring up reinforcements in front of 2d Battalion. The attempts of the 2d Battalion to move forward after 1400 were met with intense rifle and machine-gun fire. By 2PM, the tanks had returned to 2/184th. By 1600, the battalion had pushed 200 yards to Nora Road but the action had cost E and F Companies more than 60 casualties, including the F Co commander. Between 4 and 4:30PM, G Co relieved F Co in the line. At 4:45PM, Regimental HQ ordered action broken off for the day and to organize night defenses on a line 75-100 yards NE of Carl Road. Japanese yelling and the throwing of grenades in front of G Co continued through the night to about 3AM, but no major counter attack developed.

Day 3, February 3d, the fresh 1st Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Green, led by Companies B and A abreast (B on the left), with C Co. in reserve (commanded by CPT W.L. Simmons), passed through E and G Companies and at 0715 initiated their attack into a zone of action which had been densely covered by buildings now reduced to piles of wreckage interspersed with underground shelters and numerous pillboxes, most undamaged. B Co ran into considerable opposition among the rubble and sustained considerable casualties while making little progress. Co A also suffered several casualties while combing through the wreckage. Shortly before noon, because of the slow progress being made, 2d Battalion was ordered to move forward, only six hours after being relieved, around or through Co. A, the right wing of 1st Battalion and then swing left, with company G on the right, followed by Co F, and Co E on G's left. 1st Battalion was to attack toward the lagoon.

This was a very risky maneuver for G Co, that is, pass through or around Co A, which was in direct fire contact with the enemy to its front. That G Co Soldiers might become casualties to friendly fire was a very real possibility. G Co was then to swing to the left, exposing the company right flank to fire from the Japanese at the north end of the island. 2d Battalion approached the Admiralty area about 2PM. Ruined structures made forward movement very difficult. Two medium and two light tanks moved forward with each of E and G Company. Each company also had one squad of engineer troops with demolitions. While moving forward, Co G temporarily lost contact with E Co to its left, and with the left-most elements of the 32d Infantry, which was to be expected given that G Co was to swing to the left (west), while the 32d RCT continued to attack north. Enemy rifle fire was heavy. Captain Peter Blaettler, Co E's commander, was seriously wounded. The battered and shattered condition of the terrain, rubble and enemy fire delivered from between and even to the rear of the advancing battalions, tended to diffuse units, keep their flanks dangling, and make coordination of unit movements very difficult. The advance on 3 February had advanced about 1,000 yards, though neither RCT reached Nathan Road. From the ruined structures on its right, rifle fire on Company G was heavy and incessant during the night. Co G and Co E had not reached Nathan Road and Nob Pier but had halted 250-300 yards short of Nathan Road, and planned to continue the attack to reach Nathan Road early the next morning. Attacks from the north and from the lagoon sore were also attempted by enemy troops at various times during the night. Just after sunset, a headlong counterattack was made toward Co E and Co G. As the Japanese tried to cross Will Road, they were cut down to the last man. Fires burned all night long in the piles of rubble. The maze of wreckage contributed greatly to Soldiers becoming disoriented when moving.

Day 4, February 4th, the day started with 2/184th intent on carrying out the orders from the day before, that is to attack through and secure the area up to Nathan Road and Nob Pier. Company G, had serious difficulty getting started, as the company had been withstanding counterattacks and had been under fire in its perimeter throughout the night from enemy riflemen firing from every direction except west (the lagoon). Enemy riflemen positioned in buildings along the eastern edge of the perimeter pinned G Co down and kept it from forming for an attack at 7:15AM. Low on ammo, still having not evacuated its wounded, and facing an extensive air raid shelter in which many enemies had taken refuge, the commander, Co G decided to wait on the arrival of tanks. When the tanks arrived, fire was directed into the shelter, which resulted in the surrender of those inside; most were Korean laborers.

The Soldiers of the 7th Infantry Division including those of the 184th Infantry were each awarded a second bronze campaign star, for the Eastern Mandates campaign, to be affixed next to the Aleutians campaign star on the ribbon of each Soldier's Asia – Pacific Campaign Medal.

Again, the 7th Division returned to Hawaii to rest, and more training.

On 8 April '44, CPT Simmons gave up command of C Co/184th RCT and began his return to the United States to attend the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Ft Benning, Georgia. My mother traveled by train a few times from California to Georgia to spend time with my father. It was while Bud was at Ft Benning that US, Canadian and British Army forces conducted an amphibious assault on June 6th on the beaches at Normandy, France and started the liberation of western Europe. The course ended in early September and Bud returned to the 184th Infantry in Hawaii, where the Regiment and the rest of the 7th Division were making final preparations for their planned attack on Leyte Island in the southern Philippines. Upon his return, Bud was appointed to be the 184th Regiment S-4 (or supply officer). Leyte is one of the mid-size islands (about 100 miles long, 25 miles wide) of the large number of islands that make up the Philippines.

On October 20, 1944, four US Army divisions (7th, 24th and 96th Infantry Divisions, & 1st Cavalry Div) conducted an amphibious assault on Leyte, against almost no Japanese resistance on the beach. Again, the Japanese had chosen to structure their defense in land.

The books: "A History of the 7th Infantry in World War II" by Edmund Love, and "Leyte: The Return to the Philippines" (from the US Army series The US Army in WW II – The War in the Pacific) address in details the operations on Leyte of the 184th Regimental Combat Team.

As the Regiment S-4, Bud's duties would have been to ensure that the Regiment never ran out of necessary quantities of supplies, such as ammunition, weapons, water, and food. He would have had to plan for and ensure its movement off the ships, across the beach and then by truck or native Philippine porters' overland, through mud and swamps – as there were very few roads, day, and night, for it to be moved forward to the forward most soldier. He would have done a lot of talking with the Division supply officer, the G-4, a Lieutenant Colonel. As Regiment S-4, he likely had approximately 10 officers and soldiers working in the Regiment S-4 section. Each of the 3 rifle battalions also had an S-4 section, which would have worked with the Regiment S-4 staff and the company supply sergeants to make all this happen. Being the S-4 was a tough, demanding job; one in which the S-4 and staff would have got very little sleep, as there would have been only so much supplies available, and the battalion and company commanders would always be wanting more of what they have. Bud was promoted to the rank of Major in January 1945, mid-way through this operation. Fighting went on until mid-February 1945 when organized Japanese resistance ended. Cost in American soldiers was 4000 killed in action. The 7th Division remained on Leyte to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming attack on Okinawa. The Soldiers of the 7th Infantry Division including those of the 184th Infantry were each awarded a third bronze campaign star, for the Southern Philippines campaign, to be affixed along with their campaign starts from the Aleutians and Eastern Mandates campaigns on the ribbon of each Soldier's Asia – Pacific Campaign Medal.

For his efforts on Leyte, he was awarded the Bronze Star. The HQ 7th Infantry Division citation reads:
Major Wilton L. Simmons, 0372208, Infantry, United States Army.
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy during the period 20 October to 26 December 1944. Throughout the Leyte Campaign, Major Simmons was zealous in his efforts to provide supplies and deliver them to scattered elements of an infantry regiment. When the regiment became over-extended with elements in La Paz and Santa Ana, the roads became a sea of mud and all bridges were washed out. Major Simmons kept supplies flowing forward to the troops over apparently impassable roads. When the regiment was located at Caridad Major Simmons was confronted with the seemingly impossible task of keeping a regiment supplied with only five two and a halt ton trucks and three on and a half ton truck. By his untiring efforts and judicial handling of the transportation, Major Simmons again accomplished the stupendous task of keeping adequate supplies in sufficient quantities to continue the attack. His cheerfulness under all adversities and his untiring efforts inspired all with whom he came in contact. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Signed A.V. ARNOLD Major General, USA Commanding

Okinawa is an island, 60 miles long, in the Ryukyu Island chain, about 400 miles from Japan – by far the closest the US had come to Japan as we marched across the Pacific. Okinawa was defended by approximately 100,000 Japanese, as well as some Okinawans and Koreans that they had forced into military service. As this was the last bastion outside Japan, the defenders were expected to fight with fierce determination. Back aboard the troop ships, the 7th Division moved to the vicinity of Okinawa. The many troop carrying ships and all of the combat ships – destroyers, cruisers, battleships and air craft carriers made up the largest naval force ever assembled in history.

The books: "A History of the 7th Infantry in World War II" by Edmund Love; "Okinawa: The Last Battle" (from the US Army series The US Army in WW II – The War in the Pacific) by Roy E. Appleman, James M. Burns, Russel A. Gugeler, and John Stevens; and "Typhoon of Steel – The Battle for Okinawa" by James H. Belote & Wm M. Belote address in details the operations on Leyte of the 184th Regimental Combat Team.

The attack on Okinawa was launched with an amphibious assault on April 1, 1945 by 3 Army divisions (7th, 27th and 96th Infantry Divisions) and 3 Marine Divisions, a total of 154,000 soldiers and Marines. The battle for Okinawa was the single largest battle involving forces of the United States during WWII as it involved so many soldiers, marines, sailors, and airman. Bud remained as the 184th Infantry Regiment S-4. [Charles Franklin "Skip" Simmons – named after his grandfather, was born on May 17th, 1945 in San Jose CA mid-way through this battle] While the battle raged ashore, Japanese naval and air forces were attempting to help their defending forces by attacking from Japan and had to be defended against by our ships and airplanes. The Navy lost more ships around Okinawa than in any other battle during WWII. The fighting lasted for three very intense months until the end of June. On July 17th, Bud changed jobs. He was moved up to the 7th Division headquarters to be the Assistant Division G-4. His duties likely included ensuring that needed ammunition, fuel, food, water as well as replacement of weapons were moved from the rear areas forward to the Division's regiments. Also, that an adequate number of trucks were available to move wounded and dead from the forward areas to the beaches where they could be moved to ships. Bud also would have worked on the support plan for the division's upcoming participation in the invasion of Japan. During the battle for Okinawa, the 7th Division, including the 184th Infantry Regiment, lost 1200 soldiers killed, and 6000 wounded.

In March, 1945, Ida Caroline (Simmons) Banta, his mother, was stricken suddenly ill and was forced to retire to her home at 330 Oak Street in Chico. Although she was given the best of care and medical attention, she was unable to return to her duties and was finally taken to San Francisco for diagnosis and treatment. She passed away on July 21, 1945 at the Stanford-Lane Hospital (Stanford School of Medicine, 2398 Sacramento Street), following an operation for a brain tumor. It was July 31 before Dad received a letter from Mom informing him that his mother had passed away.

For his efforts on Okinawa, he was awarded his second Bronze Star medal. The HQ 7th Infantry Division citation reads:
Major Wilton L. Simmons, 0372208, Infantry, United States Army.
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy during the period 12 February to 30 June 1945. Immediately following the Leyte Campaign, Major Simmons, a regimental supply officer, began preparation for another amphibious operation. Displaying outstanding ability, Major Simmons diligently planned every detail for the loading and equipping of the regiment in addition to rendering valuable assistance in the establishment of his unit's rehabilitation camp. Although he was taken ill during this period, Major Simmons refused to be evacuated and insisted on remaining to supervise the work of his section. Throughout the combat phase of the Okinawa Island Operation, he worked indefatigably in coordinating the supply of the regiment. Despite the obstacles of adverse weather and impassable roads, Major Simmons, through his ingenuity and resourcefulness, maintained a constant flow of supplies to front line troops. His exemplary leadership and ability to surmount obstacles were highly inspirational to all concerned and contributed materially to the combat successes realized by his unit.
Singed JOSEPH L. READY Brigadier General, USA, Commanding

When the fighting ended, the 7th Division immediately began planning and preparations for the upcoming attack on Japan itself. However, after having two atomic bombs dropped in early August, Japan surrendered.

The 7th Division was then moved by ship to Korea in early September to disarm and roundup the Japanese forces which had been occupying Korea (Japan had invaded and annexed Korea around 1910). The 7th also was there as a show of force to preclude the Russians, which had moved into north Korea, from entering the southern part of the country. My father, and the rest of the 184th Infantry Regiment, began their return to the United States in mid-October, 1945.

In a letter dated September 16, 1945, from
Headquarters Seventh Infantry Division
Office of the Commanding General
APO 7
16 September 1945

Major Wilton L. Simmons
Headquarters 7th Division

My dear Simmons:
As you take your departure from the Seventh Division, I want to congratulate you for your contribution to the success of the division in its long combat history. You and the other veterans who accompany you to civilian pursuits have done a magnificent job and should be proud of it forever.
I wish you the greatest of success in your life as a civilian. May your military attributes so ably displayed in the Seventh bring you full return when applied to the problem of living in our post war world.
The Seventh Division will always miss you but with faith in the newer officers and men who are of the same pattern as you, the division will continue the high standard of performance which you have so proudly set. I know that this division will always have your enduring support and that all in the Division join in wishing you full happiness, success, and Godspeed.

/signed/
A.V. ARNOLD
Major General, U.S.A.
Commanding

By early October 1945, Dad's Officer's Adjusted Service Rating form total credits equaled 118. This number was used to determine the priority order for returning servicemen to the States after the war had ended. His form reflected:
Type of Credit Number Multiply By Credit
Service Credit (no. of months in Army since 16 Sep 1940) 54 1 54
Overseas Credit (no. months served overseas since 16Sep40) 22 1 22
Combat Credit (#decorations & service stars since 16 Sep 40) 6 5 30
Parenthood Credit (no. of children under 18) 1 12 12
Total 118

Bud also checked the block "NO" on this form in answer to question "Individual desires to be retained in the service?"

On the 20th of October 1945, more than two months after the war had ended, he sailed for home aboard the USS Cape Kildare, a type C1-B cargo ship operated by the US Merchant Marine. The ship was a freighter and carried 23 Army officers and two enlisted men as cargo. The rest of the ship was empty and so road high and bounded over the sea. The first stop was at Okinawa on the 23d, departing on the 25th. Three weeks later, on November 13, they arrived in Honolulu, late due to high seas and a shortage of oil.

In a letter, dated February 16, 1946, from
Headquarters Army Ground Forces
Office of the Commanding General
Washington, DC
16 February 1946

Major Wilton L. Simmons, 2040 Alameda Way, San Jose, California
Dear Major Simmons:
As you leave the Army and go back to your home, I wish to send with you my deep personal thanks for the real contribution which you made to the success of American arms in World War II.
The faithful devotion and sacrifice which you, and men like you, have given to our nation in danger, are cause of great pride and confidence on the part of the Army, of the Army Ground Forces and of your countrymen.
You will remember with a sharpened wisdom the friendships and accomplishments which were yours in the greatest Army in the world. It is certain that the Nation can look confidently to her ex-soldiers in the future grave responsibilities of our people.

Sincerely
/Signed/
JACOB L. DEVERS
General, USA
Commanding

While the War Went On

April – September 1944, Bud temporarily returned to the States, along with many Infantry officers of the 7th Infantry Division, to attend the 4-month long Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia.

April 1944 to July 1944, Bud's wife lived (later Skip and later her husband, Bud), lived at 2040 Alameda Way, San Jose. Virginia was able to make long train trips to Georgia to visit Bud for brief periods.

On May 17, 1945, Mary Virginia had her first child, son Charles Franklin Simmons (Skip) born at10:59 am in the San Jose Hospital in San Jose. Gilbert Alm had taken her to the hospital and stayed throughout. Skip was named after his grandfather. On the 30th, Virginia took Skip home from the hospital.

On Sunday, July 15, 1945, Virginia and her son, Skip, moved to 51 Matt Street in San Jose.

NATIONAL WWII MEMORIAL [On-line] REGISTRY. Find an entry for Wilton Simmons of Chico, CA. The names in the Registry are forever linked to the Memorial's bronze and granite representations of their sacrifice and achievement.

Bud left the Army officially on 25 March 1946 at Camp Beale, just east of Marysville, CA. Camp Beale was also a Separation Center, which discharged 387,174 men and women before it closed in April 1947. In early 1948, the property was transferred to the Air Force to become Beale AFB.

Post WW II Employment as a Civilian Doesn't Last Long

The Simmons family of three lived in San Mateo, California, July 1946 – October 10, 1946, at 1739 Ivy Street. Bud worked for Frazer Johnson, Inc., a furnace manufacturer in San Francisco as Timekeeper & Production Control. Their second son, Richard Lawrence, was born 19 September 1946 at Mills Memorial Hospital in San Mateo. Bud was not happy as a civilian. After six months, he decided to return to the U.S. Army.

Re-enters the U. S. Army

In late September 1946, he reentered the Army at the rank he held at the time he left the Army, that is the rank of Major. His first assignment was to the 9th Infantry Regiment (the regiment's motto being, "Keep up the fire!") at Ft Lewis, Washington. Bud and his young family arrived at Fort Lewis in early October 1946. Initially, Bud served as the Regiment's Assistant Supply Officer (S-4), and the family lived on post at the Fort Lewis Inn while they waited for assignment of government quarters on post. In November, Bud was moved up to the duty position of the Regiment Supply Officer (S-4). In December, the family moved in to Quarters 171-C on Stryker Ave, Fort Lewis. Bud served in the 9th Infantry and the family lived in Quarters 171-C until curtailment of this assignment one year later, in November 1947, at which time Bud received orders overseas.

Germany 1948-1951

In January 1948, the Simmons family made its first of many car trips across the country from Fort Lewis to New York City to travel by US Navy troop transport ship to the port of Bremerhaven, Germany, and then on to Karlsruhe, Germany where Bud was assigned as the Intelligence Officer (S-2) of the 1st Constabulary Squadron, US European Command.
The Nuremberg trials of senior Nazi leaders had been completed 15 months earlier on 1 October 1946.

January 1948 was also the month that the Soviets began putting pressure on the other occupying powers (USA, Britain & France) to leave Berlin, located 100 miles inside the Soviet occupation zone. The Cold War had begun.

The U.S. Constabulary was a police-type force created shortly after WW II to occupy Germany, and made up of combat units, composed primarily of cavalry-type units, and which would be retained to provide the mobile tactical reserves that might be needed to put down insurrections. It had a total strength of approximately 30,000 soldiers, in a triangular organization of 3 brigades of 3 regiments. Each regiment was composed of 3 squadrons. Each squadron consisted of a headquarters and headquarters troop along with three mechanized and two motorized troops. The mechanized troop, with its armored cars and 1/4-ton trucks (jeep), was used primarily for the area patrol type of operations that are usually identified with the Constabulary. The motorized troops used 1 1/2-ton trucks to position troopers in cities and along the border, where dismounted patrols and fixed posts were required. The 1st Constabulary Squadron was along with the 14th & 15th Constabulary Squadrons, one of the three squadrons assigned to the 15th Constabulary Regiment. The original designation of the 1st Constabulary Squadron, that is before creation of the Constabulary, was 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Armored Division.

During the period January 1948 – August 1948 the family lived initially at No. 6 Fechtstrasse in Durlach and & then moved to 38 Fronstrasse in the suburb of Ruppur.

Since the end of WW II, tension between the Soviet Union and Communist elements and the nations of Western Europe and the United States had been growing. The former German capital city of Berlin was administered by four nations USA, Britain, France, and USSR, each occupying a sector of Berlin. This city was a particular source of conflict between the USSR and the west.

By late winter 1948, the news media and public of the United States openly talked about the possibility of a Russian attack on Berlin and war between the USA and USSR.

There must have been great concern among the U.S. service members and their family members in Germany about the likelihood of war.

13 March 1948, the Treaty of Brussels (Belgium) was completed. The result was the five Western Europe nations of Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands agreed to a military alliance to stand against possible aggression against the Soviet Union.

In a letter to friends in the States, dated 6 June 1948, Bud's wife, Virginia, wrote, "The kids are fine. Dick is just about as large as Skip now and tough as nails. They fight from morning till night. Dick is also starting to talk now, and he is so funny in everything he does, but boy does he have a temper, and now Skip is learning that he can howl when he wants something too."

24 June 1948, Russians begin blockade of Berlin. No land-based transportation, e.g., river, rail and road were allowed to pass through the Soviet occupied Germany to deliver supplies to Berlin. "Every day, by river, rail and road, the allies had been bringing 31 million pounds of supplies to the 2.25 million Berliners who lived in the western sectors of the city. Now those supplies – food, clothes, medicine, coal for energy and heat – were cut off." Pg 241, The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour, by Andrei Cherny, 2008. By mid-summer, 250 round trip flights a day by C-54 and C-47 aircraft were being flown by USAF and British pilots from Frankfurt's Rhein-Main Air Base to Berlin's Templehof Airport.

Only air travel through the Soviet-approved flight paths to Berlin remained open. The Berlin airlift began.

In the summer of 1948, the 1st Constabulary Squadron and its soldiers and their families were repositioned northeast to Schweinfurt. The Simmons family remained in Schweinfurt, August 1948 to October 1950 at 23 Frankenstrasse. On 4 November 1948, Bud was promoted to the duty position of Executive Officer (2nd in command) of the 1st Constabulary Squadron.
"Polls at the time showed Americans [in the USA] were far more concerned about the threat of war than the issues of wages and education." Andrei Cherny, The Candy Bombers.

During the late summer and fall of 1948, the Simmons family periodically made the 150 km (90 mile) drive from Schweinfurt to Frankfurt and Rhein-Main Air Base to watch the airlift planes bound for Berlin taking off every few minutes and returning planes landing.

It was in the latter part of 1948 that the Constabulary forces transitioned from a police force into a tactical force. In December 1948, the 1st Constabulary Squadron was re-flagged as the 2nd Battalion, 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment (previously the 14th Constabulary Regiment). The change of unit designation did not affect the duty positions of the unit leadership. Bud remained the Executive Officer.

The Regiment and its three subordinate battalions assumed duties of a patrol and combat unit instead of internal police. 1st, 2d and 3d Battalions were stationed respectively in Fritzlar, Schweinfurt and Coburg. The success of the regiment's training program is substantiated by the fact that the 14th won every major military competition held in Germany during 1950.

4 May 1949, MAJ Simmons, Executive Officer (XO) of 2nd Battalion, participated along with the rest of the battalion's soldiers and 10,000 other soldiers of the US Army in Europe in a parade review at the American Army installation at Grafenwoehr to honor Lieutenant General Lucias Clay, Military Governor of Germany, who was shortly going to give up the position of governor which he had filled for four years, since April 1945 shortly before Germany surrendered.

12 May 1949, the Soviets ended the blockade of Berlin, and along with it the fear of war.
"Defeated by force of arms, beaten down by the sad years after the war, guilty over their part in inhumanity, Berliners had now won a great victory. "The German people, who had been somewhat apathetic ever since their defeat, came back to life during the Airlift. This was especially true of Berliners," observed Robert Murphy. After 321 days of siege, it was the Soviets, not the Berliners, who had been crushed, their defeat laid bare for all the world to see." Pg 529, Andrei Cherny, The Candy Bombers.

23 May 1949, the Western military governors of the US, British and French occupation zones approved and promulgated the new constitution of Germany on May 23, 1949, which also marked the new state, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG, or West Germany), had come into existence. USSR continued to occupy and govern its zone, eastern Germany.

During the period 15 July to 25 August 1949, Bud was formally placed in temporary command of the squadron during the absence of the commander. Following this period of temporary command, Bud reverted to the position of Battalion Executive Officer.

While in Germany, the family adopted a dog, a black male Dachshund, which was given the name Blitz.

In August 1950, and lasting until mid-1951, Bud was moved from the 2nd Battalion to the headquarters 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fritzlar, GE to fill the duty position of Regiment Supply Officer (S-4). This was the second time Bud was selected and placed in the position of a primary staff officer of a Regiment (S-4, 184th Inf was the previous time). In the meantime, the Simmons family lived for a few months, October - December 1950, in Bad Wildungen (15 km/20 min drive west of Fritzlar) at the address of10 Stresemanstrasse. During their final 9 months in Germany, December 1950 to June 1951, the family lived in Bad Nauheim at 11 Uhlandstrasse.

Bud's 3 ½ -year long very memorable tour in Germany with his wife and two young sons ended in June 1951. Bud's wife in her later years often referred to the Germany years as "those were the days."

June 1951, the family traveled from Bremerhaven, Germany to New York by ship, USS General Darby, arriving at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY on 20 June 1951; then took 30 days leave to drive across the country to Chico.

Back In the States

Medford Oregon, August 1951 – November 1951. Lived at 234 King Street, Medford. MAJ Simmons was a National Guard Instructor. Their son's Skip (1st grade) & Dick (kindergarten) attended Medford Elementary School.

7 July 1951, Bud was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Army of the United States.

November 1951, LTC Simmons was reassigned to Camp Cooke, California, where he assumed the duty position of Assistant Chief of Staff G4, Camp Cooke. The family lived in government quarters, on Marchelia Ranch section of the Post (is now the Base Golf Course). Skip (completed 1st grade, started 2d gr) & Dick (finished K'garten, started 1st) at Lompoc Elementary School.

Beginning on 4 January 1952, Bud completed the 4-month Command & General Staff College course at Fort Leavenworth. The family remained at Camp Cook.

1952. Polio was on the rise. In 1946 the number of reported cases [in the US] reached 25,000, almost matching the epidemic of 1916. From that point forward, the yearly toll would jump more often that it fell, reaching a high of 58,000 in 1952. For children and adolescents, polio now became the fastest growing infectious disease. Statistically, the chances of getting a serious case were small, the chances of being permanently disabled by it were very small, and the chances of dying from it were miniscule. Psychologically, however the impact of polio was profound. Studies showed that five-year-olds had the highest incidence of polio. Parents checked for every symptom: a sore throat, a fever, the chills, and aching limb. Some gave their children a daily "polio test." Did the neck swivel? Did the toes wiggle? Could the chin reach the chest? (Polio, An American Story, David Oshinsky, 2005)

In April 1953, actions to complete the closing of Camp Cook were completed. Bud was reassigned to the 6th Army Staff at the Presidio of San Francisco. Camp Cooke became Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Presidio of San Francisco, April 1953 – August 1954. Apr-May lived in BOQ, Ft Scott, Presidio of SF, CA; phone no Evergreen 60450. May 53-Aug 54, lived at 1535 Pershing Drive, apartment E, Presidio of San Francisco. MAJ Simmons was Chief Reserve Components Branch, Supply Division, G4 HQ 6th Army. Skip (completed 2d, 3d grades) & Dick (1st & 2d gr) attended Winfield Scott & Alamo Elementary schools.

Growing Simmons Family

On August 6, 1953 at Letterman Army Hospital, Mrs. Simmons had twins, Robert Gordon (Bob) born at 12:36 pm weighed 8lbs 10oz, 23 in, and Jane Ann, 6 lbs. 10 oz, was born 11 minutes later, at 12:47 pm, Thursday.

April 1954 Field trial of Jonas Salk's killed-virus Polio vaccine. 211 counties in 44 states; almost 1.3 million school children [Polio Pioneers] in grades First, Second and Third, would participate in this, the largest public health experiment in American history. Parents of children participating had to sign a "request form". (Polio, An American Story, David Oshinsky, 2005)

Overseas Again

Early in the summer 1954, LTC Simmons flew on to his next assignment in Japan.

Mrs. Simmons, her three children, and a dog traveled to Japan aboard the USS General A.E. Anderson, departing the pier at Fort Mason, where they had stayed the final few days before departing, on August 13, 1954, crossed the 180th meridian International Date Line on 19 August and arrived Yokohama, Japan on August 25, 1954. A P-2 type ship, the Anderson was built in 1943, has an overall length of 623 feet, a beam of 76 feet, a weight of 17,833 tons and a cruising speed of 19 knots.

Camp Zama, Japan, August 1954 – March 1957. Aug 54 – Aug 55, lived in private rental house in the village of Minami-Rinkan. Aug 55 – Mar 57, lived at Quarters 41B, Camp Zama (on hill behind the post theater). LTC Simmons served in the G4, HQ Armed Forces Far East. Skip & Dick attended Sagamihara Military Dependents Elementary School.

The family left Japan on March 13, 1957, 7 pm, from Tokyo International Airport via Pan American Airlines Clipper, the "Queen of the Pacific." Arrived San Francisco International Airport at 7am, March 14, 1957. Simmons family then drove across country from San Francisco to Washington DC, April 7 to April 23, in a Ford station wagon purchased in Burlingame CA. With stops in Chico, Denver, Fort Scott KS, Vandalia Ill, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Duty at the Pentagon & Life in Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia, March 1957 – June 1961, the family lived at 6027 22d Road North, Arlington.

Beginning on 3 May 1957 until 31 March 1961, LTC Bud Simmons was assigned to the Headquarters, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project (AFSWP); later Defense Atomic Support Agency (DASA) in the Pentagon. The AFSWP was a U.S. military agency responsible for aspects of nuclear weapons under military control.

The AFSWP gradually shifted its emphasis away from training assembly teams, and became more involved in stockpile management and providing administrative, technical, and logistical support. It supported nuclear weapons testing, although after Operation Sandstone in 1948, this was increasingly in a planning and training capacity rather than a field role. In 1959, the AFSWP became the Defense Atomic Support Agency (DASA), a field agency of the Department of Defense. By 1957 the agency's responsibilities included the maintenance, storage, surveillance, security, and handling of nuclear weapons, as well as supporting nuclear testing. The AFSWP was a joint organization, staffed by the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Air Force.

In the performance of his duties Bud routinely flew from Washington National Airport to Albuquerque and to Los Alamos. One of those flights to New Mexico, he sat next to former President Truman.

Sons, Skip & Dick attended Robert E. Lee Elementary School at 3710 Lee Hwy in spring of 1957 and 6th grade in '57-'58. Skip repeated 6th grade, Dick did 6th grade, fall '57 – spring 58. They then for the next three years attended Swanson Junior High, graduating from 9th grade.

In February 1959 the integration of public schools in Arlington County began with the integration of 4 students at Stratford Junior High. Integration continued in the county for the next 20 years, until 1971.

In 1959, Jane and Bob started school, starting 1st grade at Robert E. Lee Elementary School, located at the corner of Lee Highway (later Langston Blvd) & N. Lexington St. They completed 2nd grade in 1960-61.

January 20, 1961, President John F Kennedy's inauguration as 35th President of the US. Bud's elder son, Skip, was a Boy Scout, and as such served as an usher at the inauguration parade of John F. Kennedy.

LTC Simmons retired from the Army, after 20 years of Active Federal Service, on Friday, March 31, 1961. The retirement ceremony for several officers of the Military District of Washington, including the Pentagon, was held on the parade ground at Fort Myer, Virginia - just south across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

When the school year for the four kids ended in June 1961, Bud's family of six loaded into their new Plymouth 3-seat, 9-passenger wagon and drove the 3,000 plus miles across the northern states to Oregon and then south to San Francisco and Chico, California. The trip was roundabout with a number of stops and visits to friends along the way, including West Point, NY; New York City, NY; Rochester, NY; Mackinaw Island, MI; Detroit Lake, MN; Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND; Yellowstone National Park, WY; and Oregon beaches.

Intending to settle in the Marin County area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bud and Virginia decided to settle in their previous hometown and small college town of Chico when during a visit to Chico shortly after arriving in California, Bud accepted a position in Chico with the Butte Creek Rock Company, owned by the Alm family of Chico. He began work in January 1962.

Life in Chico, 1961 - 1972

In July 1961, the Simmons' bought a relatively new home at 1368 Filbert Avenue, on the east side of Chico, approximately two blocks north of Bidwell Park and Chico Creek. A few years earlier, the home had been the model for the homes development. When the fall 1961 school year started, Skip and Dick entered as sophomores at Chico High School; Jane and Bob as 3rd graders at Sierra View Elementary School.

As a Butte Creek Rock Company employee his primary responsibility was Purchasing Agent for the company. In November 1962, Gilbert Alm sold the company to Baldwin Construction Company. Here after, the plant at the intersection of the Skyway highway and Butte Creek was referred to as Butte Creek Rock Plant of the Baldwin Construction Company.

Bud and Virginia were happy to reestablish their many Chico friendships of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, especially Bud's friends of the 20-30 Club.

That fall of 1961, Bud attended the annual 3-day Friday – Sunday reunion of the WW II 184th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. He went on to attend the 184th Infantry annual reunions in the coming years. These events were held in such northern California cities as San Francisco, Sacramento, and Napa.

Bud was an active member of the Chico Masonic Lodge No. 111 Free & Accepted Masons. Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization. It is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to help make the world a better place.

Bud made it a priority every year to clean the graves and markers of his many Simmons relatives buried in Chico Cemetery, including his mother and father – Frank & Ida C. (Allwardt) Simmons, both sets of his grandparents – William M.A. & Mary P (Bowden) Simmons and William H. & Lizzie A. (Sander) Allwardt

In August 1967, Bud and his family attended the graduation of the elder son, Charles F. "Skip" Simmons, from Engineer Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Engineers in the U. S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

In June 1968, in Columbia, Tennessee, Bud and his family attended the wedding of their elder son, Skip, Kay Lowry Richardson, daughter of Mr. Louis W. and Mrs. Richardson of Columbia, Tenn. At this time, Skip was a 2nd Lieutenant of Engineers, and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In June 1969, Bud and Virginia with the twins, Jane, and Bob, attended the graduation of son #2 Richard L. "Dick" Simmons from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Following the graduation ceremony, Bud swore Dick into the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry.

When Jane and Bob reached the responsible age of a high schooler in1969, Bud and Virginia decided to enjoy periodic two night trips to South Lake Tahoe or Sacramento to enjoy the weekend together at a nice hotel, restaurants, and dancing venues for the evening.

Bud had the opportunity a few times in 1971 and '72 to appreciate multi-day visits from elder son, Skip, & daughter-in-law, Kay. During those visits, Bud greatly enjoyed the opportunity to hold his infant grandson, Richard M. "Richie" Simmons, born to Skip & Kay in Virginia in September 1970.

The Passing & Funeral of W. L. Simmons, a Husband, Father & Soldier

Bud died June 14, 1972 at Letterman Army Hospital on the Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.

In loving memory of Bud, the Chico Masonic Lodge No. 111 F. & A. M. conducted a memorial service on Saturday, 17 June 1972 at Hall-Van Hook Funeral Chapel. It was well attended by his Masonic brothers, co-workers from Butte Creek Rock Company, and many life-long friends of Chico.

On Tuesday, 20 June 1972, a memorial service was conducted adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery at the Fort Meyer chapel. Bud's casket was transported on a caisson drawn by a team of horses to the site of the grave. Bud was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, just eleven years after he retired from US Army service at Fort Meyer.

Six matched grays drew the caisson which carried the flag-draped casket of the decorated World War II veteran. Funeral services were conducted at Fort Myer Chapel, located just outside the gates to Arlington Cemetery. With muffled drum roll and an honor escort, which included the traditional black Caparison horse - a symbol of the passing of a warrior - the procession moved from the chapel to the grave site across the street from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the grave site a three-volley seven-gun salute was fired. "Taps" was played and Colonel Simmons' widow, Mary Virginia of Chico, was presented the folded flag from atop the casket.

Former military associates who served with Simmons in the Far East and Europe and family friends served as honorary pallbearers. They were: retired Major General Earle Cooke, retired Major General Lawrence Schlanser, Colonel Lewis Tixier, Col. Fred Herres Jr., retired Col. Eugene C. Orth Jr., retired Col. Donald Coates, and retired Col. Harry Craig, all having served in the U.S. Army and now of Arlington, Va.

Bud's wife, Mary Virginia, was joined in Arlington by her daughter, Jane A. Simmons of Chico, and sons, Capt. Charles F. Simmons of Fort Belvoir, Va.; Capt. Richard Simmons of Ft. Benning, GA. (both on active duty in the U.S. Army); Robert Simmons of Chico; and close family friends Lt Col Patricia M. Doyle of the U.S. Air Force, formerly of Chico, and Mrs. Louis W. Richardson of Columbia, Tenn.