Did disgruntled ‘Jerries’ sabotage correspondent’s effort to cover Battle of Elsenborn Ridge reenactment?

It might surprise some to learn that, as American troops were fighting their way across Belgium and France in the epic engagement known as the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most important struggles of the war was happening behind the lines between a young editorial cartoonist for Stars and Stripes and the war’s most fiery general.

Sgt. William Henry “Bill” Mauldin (the young cartoonist) would go on to win a Pulitzer Prize for his wry work, which depicted the thoughts of the average GI – as seen through the eyes of war-weary characters, “Willie & Joe”.

The US Postal Service honored Bill Mauldin and his iconic anti-heroes “Willie & Joe.”

The fiery general – George S. Patton – had thoughts of his own about the bedraggled pair and complained loudly to all who would listen about the dog-faced stars of Mauldin’s piercing portrayals. So bitter was Patton, in fact, that he threatened to ban Stars and Stripes and throw Mauldin into jail.

“The Krauts ought to pin a medal on you,” barked Patton, as he waved a fistful of cartoons in the shocked sergeant’s face.

‘Old Blood & Guts’ was furious, but his boss back in England had a much better understanding of morale and the importance of upholding the First Amendment, as American soldiers took on Hitler’s repressive regime.

Hence, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower – Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe – told Mauldin to just keep on doing what he was doing.

I thought about this story after receiving a call informing me that I, and photographer Camilla Hsiung, had been barred from covering last weekend’s Battle of the Bulge-related Battle of Elsenborn Ridge reenactment in Horsham, PA.

Several reasons for this disinvitation were given in a subsequent email from the hosting organization – none of which jibed with the facts I assembled, as I looked into the matter.

The email also failed to address what I was told was the real reason for the disinvite. Sources had informed me that the German WWII reenactors involved in the event vehemently opposed Baltimore Post-Examiner’s presence at the Battle of Elsenborn Ridge reenactment.

The Bearer Of This Card Will Not Be Interfered With

I’ve been covering military and history-centered events for about as long as I’ve been a reporter. Part of my duties took me to Reading, PA in 2012 to cover the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s WWII Weekend (MAAM). The event was a blast, and I have returned almost every year since.

In the process of covering MAAM, I befriended the men and women who make up the 167th Signal Photographic Company (Reenacted). From them I learned about several other large WWII reenactment events, including a winter Battle of the Bulge reenactment, which was held for nearly three decades at Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA. (FIG).

Unlike my trips to Reading in civilian garb, the one caveat about covering FIG is that everyone who wished to participate in the field exercises had to be equipped in WWII gear.

This is what is known in the hobby as total immersion. Even real-life reporters had to dress the part as period-correct war correspondents. To that end, I started to collect the proper gear – not a cheap proposition, but a worthwhile investment, if I was to cover these events up close and personal. Camilla was also making a similar investment – no easy feat in a hobby which primarily caters to male reenactors.

We never made it into the field at FIG, as the event was forever cancelled after an unfortunate accident maimed one of the reenactors. But the cancellation of FIG figures into this present matter, because we arrived the day of the accident and broke the story to a nationwide audience.

Not everyone was happy about what we published – particularly some in the reenactor community who complained about one installment, which asserted in part that:

Too many reenactors are using the events as an excuse to drink beer and burn gunpowder.

There are some in the German ranks who are taking their Third Reich portrayals a bridge too far.

The complaints were noted, but the overall response to the series was positive, as the Baltimore Post-Examiner has always allowed varying voices to be heard.

Reenactors portray Waffen-SS at Fort Indiantown gap.
Reenactors portraying Waffen-SS at FIG. Some critics maintain that a handful of German reenactors take their Third Reich portrayals a bridge too far.

Moving forward to last August, Camilla and I finally took the total immersion plunge at D-Day Conneaut – a beachfront reenactment on the shores of Lake Erie. Our up-close reporting on that incredible event was again well received and led to an invitation by members of the 6th Armored Division (Reenacted) to cover this month’s winter event in Horsham. This invitation was not only substantiated for well over a month by several members of the group, it was confirmed in a Jan. 3 email to event organizers, which specifically requested that Camilla and I be added to the list of participants.

Following press protocol, I emailed a formal request for press credentials for myself and Camilla. I also asked the host organization to advise me on how we should proceed and to list any restrictions we should be aware of.

Despite the potential for snow last weekend, we were ready to go. And by ready, I mean we had supplemented our D-Day apparel with additional purchases of Army cold weather gear.

Neither Camilla nor I are winter-weather people, but I pictured this foray as an opportunity to show how the reenactor community was picking up the pieces after the cancellation of FIG.

Unfortunately, in the week leading up to the event, sources in the reenacting community began reaching out to me with the news that there was trouble afoot.

You Are Dismissed

On Monday, January 7, at about 9 p.m., I received a call from Battle of Elsenborn Ridge Event Coordinator Larry Mihlon, officially informing me that Camilla and I had been disinvited.

WWII War Correspondent Edward Kennedy dressed for inclement weather.

“Tony,” Larry began, “you know how much I respect your work as a journalist, but there has been some heated discussion within the organization about your reenactment articles, and it has fallen on me to tell you that you’ve been barred from covering this event.”

Larry said he was not at liberty to elaborate on the “heated discussions”, other than to say that for some at the table, it boiled down to a question of trust. He then promised to put me in touch with Tim Kalnajs, President of the Horsham Preservation & Historical Association. Larry said Kalnajs could provide an official explanation as to why the final decision was made,

Allow me to interject that press credentials are a courtesy – not a right. Every reporter has been rebuffed at least one time or another. When it happens, you normally just shrug it off and move on to the next story.

I didn’t just shrug this time, because I’d already sunk a sizable chunk of change into authentically outfitting myself for a frosty trip back in time. Camilla, of course, had been doing the same.

I also did not shrug, because my sources had told me that the “heated discussions” came from the ranks of the German reenactors who were especially upset with our reporting on FIG.

The next morning (January 8), I received the following email (time-stamped 8:41 am and printed here in its entirety):

Mr. Hayes

I received a phone call from Larry Mihlon wanting to know why you could not attend this event. The reasons are as follows:

1. Registration for the event closed at a set designated number which was reached and you are not on the list.
2. Due to this being a small private World War 2 tactical, we are limited with staffing to handle this issue, and stated to both command staffs, that NO press passes will be allowed.
3. This private tactical strives to be historically accurate and focuses on the combat soldier. and not any support staff including war correspondents. This is why have disallowed this type of impression which was passed onto Allied Command.

Thank you for your correspondence and this matter is closed.

Tim Kalnajs
President
Horsham Preservation & Historical Assoc.

Having been summarily dismissed, I took a closer look at Kalnajs’ letter.

“Registration for the event closed at a set designated number which was reached and you are not on the list.”

Was registration really closed?

Not according to the eventbrite page, which was still up and running til 6 pm on January 11. (See screenshots below)

What about that “set designated number”?

I was never able to find that ephemeral number. No ticket limit ever appeared on the evantbrite page and no cap was posted in any of the emails I received. I do, however have a copy of an email thread, which not only asks that Camilla and I be placed on the participants list as war correspondents but notes that only 67 people had signed up as of January 3. The author (a member of the 6th Armored) said they would need to up those numbers by at least fifty percent on the German side in order to make the tactical aspect feasible.

“Due to this being a small private World War 2 tactical, we are limited with staffing to handle this issue…”

Why would “a small, private World War 2 tactical” be selling an infinite number of non-refundable tickets on a publicly accessible eventbrite page? I was also confused about that “limited with staffing to handle this issue” part. Does that mean not enough staff to answer a few questions from one seasoned reporter, or not enough staff to safely conduct the sort of exercise which resulted in a serious injury to one reenactor last winter at FIG?

“This private tactical strives to be historically accurate and focuses on the combat soldier. and not any support staff including war correspondents.”

Weren’t support staff there at the historic battle? My research indicates they were. Medics for sure, and even musicians, who (like everyone else) were caught in the Wehrmacht’s surprise attack.

We also wondered about the logic of excluding war correspondents from a total-immersion WWII event – especially after finding part of a descriptive quote about the Battle of Elsenborn Ridge by the late United Press War Correspondent John McDermott.

McDermott nicknamed the young defenders of Elsenborn Ridge – soldiers of the 99th Infantry Division – “Battle Babies.” Does this not imply that John McDermott was also there?

Further Reconnaissance

Penrose-Strawbridge Farm is where The Battle of Elsenborn Ridge was set to be staged.

“We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home”
WWII War Correspondent Edward R. Murrow.

I interviewed Paulette Shackleton – Assistant to the Administrator of Penrose-Strawbridge Farm at Graeme Park. Paulette told me the park is a township-owned facility that is open to individuals and groups free of charge. She said she was not aware of any individual or group who has ever been banned from the park.

“For larger groups, such as Revolutionary War or WWII reenactors, the township asks that they submit an application for use of the park and suggests they consider a donation. Such groups must release the park of liability, provide parking accommodations off-site and portable johns on site for participants and visitors.

“If someone has had too much to drink or is creating a disturbance, we will ask them to leave, but no one has ever been told that they could not come.”

Paulette said the park is quite picturesque and very welcoming to the media.

“We have had media here on numerous occasions and never had a problem. In fact, two film crews used the park to make what you might call film-festival type movies.”

As for accommodating a large group of reenactors, Paulette said there is plenty of space to stage an event.

“Well, it’s nothing like what they do at Valley Forge, but the park itself is comprised of about 14 acres. We are right next to Graeme Park, and there is a lot of acreage around us. So yes, there is lots of room for a large event.”

Orders Are Meant To Be Followed

Clarence Carvell – Media Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Museum’s WWII Weekend – spoke about the process he has in place for those seeking media credentials to cover the museum’s annual June event.

“I am always faced with deciding if a media applicant is really media, and how is giving them a free pass going to benefit the museum. I then follow up to see if they fulfilled their responsibility which helps me decide if they should be invited back. Rejection in my case runs about 50%.”

Why such a high number?

Overseas visa of War Correspondent
Ernest Hemingway.

“Usually because of false or made up credentials, failure to follow through with proof of publication, too many applications from a particular media outlet, under 18 years of age and occasionally attitude or behavior. All the coordinators have responsibilities in line with the particular task at hand.”

(The Post-Examiner has been invited back every year since 2012. One reason could be that, in the eyes of the air museum, we must be doing something right.)

But what about vetting the reenactors?

“As far as I know, anyone who is interested in participating in the WWII Weekend applies through a coordinator such as myself. The coordinator and the museum staff normally work together well in advance to establish the criteria for inviting and accepting the WWII Weekend staff. From then on, it is the responsibility of the coordinator to accept or deny applications. If there are any conflicts, the coordinator is usually responsible to resolve them. The reason is, the burden on the museum staff is more than they can handle in the midst of organizing the show.”

A second coordinator (who wishes to remain anonymous) told us it is unheard of to tell the press to stay away.

“Years ago, someone told me you never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.

Bill Mauldin understood the symbiotic relationship between a free press and a free society.

“But beyond that, I have to consider various means of publicity, in order to continue to make my event relevant. An outlet like the Post-Examiner – which reaches millions outside the small towns where most events are held – introduces the hobby to people who might not know WWII reenactments are taking place.

“We want people to see that this is a family-friendly event and is worth the drive from wherever they live. We also believe this hobby is something families can enjoy doing together.

“I got started in reenacting when I was 13 – and quite shy – and the hobby helped to bring me out of my shell.

“Let me add, since you asked if we have ever banned a member of the press, we did have one occasion where a reporter didn’t understand why he needed to be in uniform to participate in the field activities. Eventually, we were able to straighten that out. But over the years, there were a couple of instances where individual reenactors were told to leave because of unacceptable behavior. Those individuals will not be coming back.

“Everyone who participates must do so under the umbrella of an invited organization – the way you and Camilla do as guests of the 167th and 6th Armored groups. It is up to the individual groups to vet first-timers, and to keep their regulars in line. That has worked reasonably well, though we have asked some reenacting groups not to return for failing to abide by our historical standards.”

Once again, it comes back to the idea of maintaining historical standards. And in presenting the truth – warts and all – in an open and honest way.

I Shall Return?

Presenting the truth is what Ike had in mind when he told Bill Mauldin to “keep on doing what you’re doing.”

I’m glad to say, in that respect, my boss is a lot like Ike.

D-Day Conneaut 2018 (credit Anthony C. Hayes)
A US Army reenactor storming the beach at D-Day Conneaut. (Anthony C. Hayes)

Someone asked me last night if I would be interested in covering another WWII reenactment.  I told him that is a question I would have to discuss with my managing editor.

Covering regular events away from Baltimore can be a hard sell at assignment time. Add exorbitant costuming expenses to travel, food, lodging, and time out of the office, and you can see why my boss might have reservations about sending two “war correspondents” to Ohio for four days.

Or sending us to Reading for three days.

Or Horsham, Pa for one.

Storming a beach, as a part of a reenactment army, is an exhilarating experience, but in the end, it is still a work assignment.

And there are plenty of other events I could be covering.

“There are stories to be told in reenacting,” said long-time reenactor Don Sweet. “Stories the public needs to hear. With the proliferation of garbage on the airwaves, I feel it would fill a void. Seems the powers that be are working against that.”

Willie & Joe faced an array of frustrating enemies as they slogged their way across Italy and France.

But the most dangerous enemy of all was the one who tried to shut them up.

I wonder what Bill Mauldin would have done with the idea of a room full of rancourous reenactors voting to bayonet the First Amendment.

* * * * *

The following are a series of screenshots — taken January 7 – 11 — from my email from Tim Kaljans and the Battle of Elsenborn Ridge eventbrite page. The Horsham Preservation and Historical Association is listed as the organizer for this event. Please note that no ticket limit is posted and the sales continued right up until the closing moments of 6:00 pm on January 11.

A screen capture of Kaljans’ 8:41 am email asserting that registration for the event was closed.
Battle of Elsenborn Ridge eventbright page screenshot taken on Jan. 8 at 9:34 am.
Enlarged screenshot confirms the time and date as Jan 8, 9:34 am.
Screen capture Jan. 8 at 9:44 am confirms that tickets are still available.
Battle of Elsenborn Ridge eventbrite sales page
Screen capture Jan. 11 at 5:59 pm. With one minute to go, tickets were still being offered.
Screenshot taken on Jan. 11, showing time and date stamp confirming that with one minute to go, tickets were still available.

2 thoughts on “Did disgruntled ‘Jerries’ sabotage correspondent’s effort to cover Battle of Elsenborn Ridge reenactment?

  • March 6, 2019 at 3:51 PM
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    I wonder why these reenactors are “rancourous” and “disgruntled” as you say? Could it be because they are sick of your negative smears? This article comes across as a self-important, entitled temper tantrum. Some reenactors are suspicious of you and don’t want you at their private party. On what planet is this newsworthy? Grow up.

  • March 6, 2019 at 3:51 PM
    Permalink

    Another regrettable hit and run from Mr. Hayes with the obligatory signature smear of German reenactors without bothering to get the facts accurate. The photograph of Waffen SS reenactors at FIG in reality shows them participating in the event’s Pass In Review. All Allied and Axis units who participated in the event were expected to march in parade dress past a review stand where local American veterans of the actual Battle of the Bulge were standing. We German reenactors were deeply honored as Americans to be able to do this. I’ve met most of those veterans and almost all of them are gone. It’s a shame this reporter and his editor believe the First Amendment that those veterans fought for entitles them to sensationalist journalism while covering the hobby that is trying it’s best to preserve that history.

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