At Fort Belvoir 1941 with the 85th
Robert Dings enlistment began March 14, 1941 at Syracuse, New York. At that time he was a resident of Oswego County in the state of New York. Early in his
enlistment he would be a part of a medical detachment, serving as a medic with the 85th Engineers. His duty with the 85th would include: training at Ft. Belvoir, the '41 La. Manuevers, training at Plattsburg Barracks, and the '42 Carolina Maneuvers. He remained
with the 85th until late 1942 when the Battalion departed Plattsburg for Camp Maxey, Texas. At that time Robert stayed at Plattsbug Barracks and was assigned to another unit.
Although sketchy, what is known at this time is that Robert remained in
the States until 1944. During this time he: continued training at Plattsburg, trained on Higgins Boats near Martha's Vineyard, attended a mine and explosives school in Texas, and by May of 1944 was serving as a 1st Sgt. with the 1286th Combat Engineers at
Camp Rucker, Alabama.
Later in '44 Robert would board the troop ship New Amsterdam and during the next two years he would see service in England, France, and Germany before returning to Boston Harbor in August of 1945 on the S.S. Richardson.
Robert Dings passed away October 2, 2007.
The Medical Detachment page of this website contains photos from the collection of Robert Dings.
Below are additional photos.