World War II Honoree

John W. Flygare

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Orem, Utah

Honored By

Morris Flygare

Relationship

Son

He joined the United States Army in November 1944 at Fort Douglas, Utah. Was sent to Camp Robinson, in Little Rock, Arkansas, where with his knowledge of fire arms, he was asked to help with the fire arms training, weapons cleaning, care and maintenance. From Camp Robinson he was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was assigned to the 71st Division, 66th Regiment. During his time at Ft Benning, he was asked to join a Glee Club, later known as the DANUBE SYM-FOLLIES, formed for Colonel Regnier, who liked his music. During the day he would do his regular military training and in the evenings they would practice their singing. The group was disbanded when they shipped out to fight the war in Europe. He landed in Le Havre, France 7 February, where they trained until the 66th Regiment was committed to the XV Corps, Seventh Army on 12 March 45 Montbronn, France. They fought through Bitche, Oppau, crossing the Rhine at Geinsheim, on their way to Berlin where their orders were changed to go to Steyr, Austria. They were assigned to the XX Corps, Third Army on 17 April, crossed the Danube at Sulzbach, seized and crossed the Dam at Obernberg, Austria. Their advance was halted by orders of the Army outside Steyr, Austria, Pending a formal meeting with the Russians. After the war was over in Europe, Colonel Regnier decided it was time to get what was left of his Singing group together and have a party for the dignitaries who were attending the closing of the war in Europe. At the close of the performance General Wyman and General Patton congratulated each of the Gleemen and General Wyman gave each one a special letter congratulating them on their Accomplishments. They sang at many locations throughout Europe before many service men in many an old building, some destroyed by the war. After that they were given the option to pack their bags and head to the Pacific front to resume fighting, or re-enlist, be home for the holidays and then head to the Pacific front to resume fighting. He decided he wanted to be home with the family for Christmas so he re-enlisted. He was discharged in November 1945 and December 1946.