It's sad to say, that the long-standing tradition of Annual Reunions for the 243rd have come to an end. Old-Man Time has taken its toll with many passing in recent years. It's also becoming increasingly difficult for the remaining WWII vets to travel. Meanwhile, several of the CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN of the original members continue to keep in contact and many have ported-over to FACEBOOK as a means of keeping in contact. (See link below to join in on the Facebook conversation). This page will remain in the internet world, but will not be updated regularly. The "Guestbook" link will also stay active as an archive to previous messages and new entries will be allowed. Note that the Guestbook is not being monitored by anyone, so chances of a reply will be slim.
From now on, the Facebook site will be the best method of correspondence. Thanks! Jim Asp
For the technooolgy minded web-connected folks, we also have a Facebook page:
Questions, please contact: Jim Asp via e-mail at -
Veterans, family and friends of the 243rd Field Artillery Battalion, which fought in World War II under General George S. Patton in the Third US Army. The battalion is one of a very few who used the 8 inch gun, which fired a 240 pound projectile as far as twenty miles. The battalion association has met for its annual reunion every year since 1946 and is known for its esprit de corps and family involvement.
(2012) Fred Kays / Ken McCauley / George "Wes" Hamblen / James Boorom
To download picture, right-click on the picture so that a menu appears.
Choose "Save picture as" if you're using Internet Explorer, or choose "Save image as" if you're using Netscape Navigator.
Select the name that's in the "File name" box, and type in the name you would like to give the picture.
Click the down arrow to the right of the "Save as type" box.
GUESTBOOK!
Just click here <READ or SIGN GUESTBOOK > and you will be redirected to the GUESTBOOK. When you're done, click the submit button at the bottom and your note will be INSTANTLY available for all to see. If you want it to be just temporary, preface your paragraph with the word [TEMP] and I will delete it after a period of time (or you can simply send me an e-mail and I'll delete it when ever you want me to).
For previous GUEST BOOK entries, click <HERE> (June 2004 through October 2005) . I have relisted the contents from the guest book that we had on-line a while ago.
Rombas Thank You Letter to the men of the 243rd from the Mayor of Rombas France. (Click on link above)
State Hwy 243 between Minnesota and Wisconsin over the St. Croix River
"THROUGH THE YEARS" -- A LISTING OF THE 243rd REUNIONS
If you have something that you would like posted on the website such as information, pictures, links, crossword puzzles, cartoons or anything within reason, contact me directly and we'll see about getting it listed pronto.
* I'm also looking for any more 1942 group photos for C, HQ and SVC. If anyone has these, please let me know. Also, any interesting photos from the war (or stories from the war) that anyone would like to share -- pass them on and we can find a place to post them too! (e-mail to Jim below)
While at my in-laws in Oklahoma City last winter, I took a drive down to Ft. Sill near Lawton, OK. My dad went through OCS there in '42. They have a museum with old cannons and outside they have a very large number of artillery pieces from WWI up to the atomic cannon. Another area has pieces used in the Gulf War. I took these pictures of an 8 inch gun. They have the trailers used to haul the carriage and barrel as well. I thought you and others would enjoy seeing these. (above) Mike Semenock
I've looked at a couple other FA BTn sites to get some idea of what one might look like and things to include (such as roster lists, photos, history, reunion information and contact information). A BIG THANK YOU to Carol and Glenn Mounts of the 736th FA BTN Association who gave me much inspiration to get this site going. I couldn't have done it without you!
This web page is still in it's early stages. As I get more information, ideas (and time), I will make updates and additions as I see necessary. My Dad, Don Asp was a gunner in A-Battery of the 243rd. I would like to dedicate this page in memory of all his friends from the outfit who have passed away. I would especially like to mention Captain James Henderson and his wife Marion -- both who have passed on just in the past few years.
Stop by again soon! There will be changes and improvements to this page as time goes on. If anyone has any war-time photos or other documents pertaining to the 243rd, let me know and I'll see about getting them posted here. E-mail me at the address below.
October 2000 Reunion - St. Paul / Minneapolis Minnesota
This page maintained by Jim Asp - e-mail to: That's N followed by the number ZERO then A I S -- (my ham radio call-sign, at yahoo dot com)
Last updated: June 28, 2016
Other things Jim has been working on... (unrelated to the 243rd site)
ROLITE CAMPER LINK? <ROLITE> As the owner of a 1969 Rolite, I have struggled to find information to restore my camper. Click on the above link to bring you to a sub-directory on this server where I will put more information.
JOHN GLENN MIDDLE SCHOOL ARCHERY CLUB - Maplewood, Minnesota(My kid's archery club which I help out with as an adult supervisor)The John Glenn Archery Club has three objectives:
- To providing students with the opportunity to explore archery as a life-time sport. - To teach respect and values by exemplifying responsible behavior. - To serve as stewards for the natural resources and the hunting community.
