John B. Terrill, Jr.
As the 225th entered the redeployment phase of its eventual career, its members, who had worked together so long and with such diligence, experienced a growing desire to have a unit history and directory for a keepsake in memory of their happy association together. Captain Nelson, T/Sgt. Cogan, and T/Sgt. Miofsky, assisted by several others, gave material form to this desire in producing this excellent booklet, for the printing of which many thanks are due the Rhine Valley News, publication of the 56th AAA Brigade. The booklet contains an outline of the travels and some of the experiences of the 225th AAA SLT. Bn. from its date of activation, through an icy winter at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois; a hot, wet summer in the swamps of Pender County, North Carolina; six months in England, and plenty of action from D+12 through V-E Day in its march across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and deep into Germany with the Allied armies.
No other searchlight battalion and few other organizations can claim a record the equal of ours. Even though units of the battalion have been widely separated, fighting in as many as three countries at one time, and, on occasion, stretching from the First and Ninth Army areas to the north, through the Third Army area and into the Seventh Army area to the south, we have always worked as a unified team.
As battalion commander, it has been a privilege to have worked with a group of officers and men who have so clearly understood, so honorably represented, and so perserveringly advanced the cause for which our country fought and won. I am happy with you, that you will soon be returning home and I am confident that there, as with this battalion, your record will be one of outstanding success. Good luck and Godspeed.
JOHN B. TERRILL, JR.
Lt. Col, CAC
Commanding