The Story of 'Babe', the
Reconstructed B-58 Half-track
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----- Original Message -----
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From: Jeroen Sleijpen
To: RICKY ROSS
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 6:18 PM
Hello Ray,
It was clear for me when I met you 6 years ago that my track had to be an 8th armored track! When coming down to the finishing details: the tracks name! I had to talk it over with you... After reading your breathtaking book and getting the mails about your tracks names I kept thinking what the best name could be...
You came up with "Babe" and because it is the track that has the leading role in many nightmares and was the scene of the loss of good lives, I was sure this was the best way to honor both the dead and the living! All of you suffered and bled for our freedom... THANK YOU AGAIN!
I bought and restored this track. But in fact this is your and your unit's track, I'll just use it to keep the memories and honor going on!
Thanks for everything!
Jeroen Sleijpen
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From: RICKY ROSS
To: Jeroen Sleijpen
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 11:03 PM
Subject: 8th Armored Division half-track
10/31/06
Dear Jeroen,
The pictures of BABE, the completely restored 8th Armored Division halftrack, are extraordinary and unique. The last time I saw Babe she was on fire after being hit by a large, armor-piercing round.
I must confess my first reaction to the haunting pictures caused a flood of nightmarish memories. I saw myself standing in the ring as men were being blown out of my halftrack. Once again I could hear men screaming above the roar and screech of exploding artillery.
After I got past that first reaction, I realized what a great honor it was to have this particular track, complete with accurate 8th Amored markings, singled out for "Show and Tell" in the popular Military Vehicles Shows around Europe. You bet I'll try to get back to Holland to sign the resurrected Babe and touch the star on the left side.
Thank you and all of the people in the Dutch/Belgian motor pool gang for remembering.
Sincerely,
Ray Ross S/Sgt., WWII
P.S. Check your copy of WHEN YOUR NUMBER'S UP. See P. 118 and Chapter 14.
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