LTC FERNAND M. ACHÉE, JR.
Commander, 97th Engineer Battalion (Construction)
September 1963–February 1965
Colonel (Retired), Service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam
During the 2014 Reunion of the 97th Engineer Battalion held at Fort Leonard Wood we were honored to have a glimpse into the life of Colonel Fernand M. Achée, Jr., deceased. Two of his children were there, Mitchell and Deni. Personally, I learned a lot about their father though I had never met him, mainly through their character, style and manner. Chips off the old block, perhaps, but Mitch had previously shared old and historical photographs of their father, and to my surprise I brought home a large envelope full of some of their most treasured family snapshots, many from long, long ago.
So, what can one say about a man who served his country, sacrificed during extended foreign tours and yet with all the trials and tribulations of a lengthy military career, during three wars, still managed to sustain his family relationships and produce such a productive marriage and successful children? From my perspective the answer most likely goes back to the reason he was chosen to serve as battalion commander of the 97th Engineers during 1963 until early 1965. He was prepared, his heart was in the right place, and he was worthy to take on the responsibility. As I looked first at his photographs from China, taken during WWII, the similarity in all of them struck me as a mark of this man, and that quality carried down to his latter–year photographs: His smile, overpowering in honesty, and his calm assurance poses, no matter what the setting, mark this man as one who was unpretentious and approachable and willing to evaluate honestly whatever came his way. The human side of Colonel Fernand M. Achée, Jr. is evident to me as I prepare this page, an I am confident my perception is similar to any who view these photographs. I regret not having met the man but grateful these documents survive to give us reason to pause and thank a veteran.
Donald M. Ricks,
Webmaster, 97th EBC
Below is the battalion colors under which LTC Achée served, and so did many of you. The reason it appears torn and frail in the photo was only a matter of time. The record of the battalion endures even with the newly produced battalion colors hanging along with many other units in the Regimental Room of the Fort Leonard Wood Engineer Museum. Please keep this in mind as you view these photographs from the oldest to the latest; we change externally and will all eventually, in our own walk, pass from this earth. What we leave behind is what matters—those superlative expressions we shall never hear but many unselfishly work toward none the less....
Entering service from the State of Louisiana, Fernand served in an enlisted capacity from 17 June 1942 until 17 September 1945. Sergeant Fernand M. Achée served in China during the period of his WWII experience but received a promotion to Second Lieutenant, Corps of Engineers, on 17 September 1945. These (mostly) undated photographs are from lax moments in the Orient, first as a Sergeant, then a Staff Sergeant. In what can only be speculated as a battlefield commissioned, he then served as an engineer officer. He received promotion to Captain on 26 June 1951 and served with distinction in Korea with the 578th Engineer Battalion as the Operations Officer (S3).
For more discussion on China operations,China Burma India Theater (CBI) use this link
PHOTOS FROM CHINA, BY RANK:
While we do not yet have the benefit of Colonel Achée’s official military service record, his daughter, Deni, provided a copy of his DD Form 214, which lists the Decorations, Medals, Commendations and Campaign Awards authorized this distinguished veteran, as they appear on the aforementioned form. Dating these photographs :
Sergeant Achée’s Promotion date to Staff Sergeant (S/Sgt) is not known:
Promotion date to 2LT was 17 September 1945:
Colonel Achée’s retirement DD Form 214, dated 16 August 1974, states he entered officer service at Chungking, China, on 17 September 1945. This was the headquarters for General Stillwell’s American Army Forces. From that date he served twenty-eight years, eleven months, and fourteen days. He had a prior enlisted service of two years, five months and twenty–four days. With a short period of inactive credible service time, Colonel Achée retired with thirty–two years, two months and fourteen days of honorable service. Twelve years, five months and nineteen days were served in foreign areas.
“History: Headquarters American Army Forces, China, Burma, and India (HQ AAF CBI) established in Chungking, China, by General Order 1, HQ AAF CBI, March 4, 1942, pursuant to Secretary of War’s appointment of Maj. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell as Commanding General of all U.S. Army forces in China, Burma, and India, conveyed in a Chief of Staff memorandum to the Adjutant General, WPD 4389–64, February 2, 1942. (By same memorandum, Gen. Stilwell was appointed Republic of China army chief of staff.) By May 1942, HQ AAF CBI had absorbed Chungking staff of U.S. Military Mission to China, commonly known as “AMMISCA” (“American Mission to China”), established August 27, 1941, to facilitate lend–lease aid to China. A second AAF CBI headquarters was established in New Delhi, India, by letter of the Commanding General, June 25, 1942, pursuant to War Department message 354, sent as CM–OUT 5537, June 22, 1942, in effect instructing Gen. Stilwell to organize a theater of operations staff. Thenceforth, the area of operations over which Gen. Stilwell had command of U.S. Army forces was referred to as the China–Burma–India (CBI) Theater.”
SOURCE: http://www.archives.gov/research/guide–fed–records/groups/493.html
This second following photograph taken while working at a desk presents an interesting clue to the likely situation in the previous photograph above, which was probably taken of Fernand after the war. In viewing the clue photo, 1LT Achée wears a patch positioned high on his right sleeve—in which case it is associated with the last combat tour in which this soldier served. The patch you see in the desk photo below, although not clear, is followed by another photo taken at what appears to be an Oriental shrine showing what appears to be that same patch on his right (or combat serving unit) shoulder:
PHOTOS FROM KOREA:
BG William J. Bradley served as the Commanding General of the 1st Cavalry Division from March 1953–April 1953. The photograph below show General Bradley shaking hands with Captain Fernand M. Achée, Jr. on 22 May 1954. BG Michael LePeilbet stated that the General Staff insignia worn by Captains Achée and Pinenger indicate the were likely on the general’s staff at the time of presentation. The U. S. Army photograph below has a stamp on its back that reads:
7 7–9/FEB 54 [unreadable (UR)] 22 May 1954.
"ON 22 MAY 1954 The CHUNGMU W/SS WAS PRESENTED TO CAPTAIN FERNAND M. ACHEE JR., S3 578TH ENGR BN. BY GENERAL CHUNG, CHIEF OF STAFF R. O. K. ARMY (EXTREME LEFT). HERE BRIG. GENERAL WILLIAM J. BRADLEY, DIV. COMMANDER 40TH INF. DIV. CONGRATULATES HIM.
OFFICIAL U. S. ARMY PHOTO BY CPL WILLIAM D. GRANT, US 511 944 29
40TH SIGNAL COMPANY
NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNLESS RELEASED”
A significant revelation regarding the period of service Captain Achée experience while serving in Korea is in a citation for a Bronze Star Medal awarded to him in Korea in 1953, in accordance with Headquarters, 40th Infantry Division, APO 6, General Orders Number 388, dated 24 August 1953. His responsibilities as battalion Operations Officer would have been significant and varied during this period of combat service:
HEADQUARTERS 40TH INFANTRY DIVISION
THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
Captain FERNAND M ACHÉE JR, 050470, Corps of Engineers, United States Army, 578th Engineer Battalion, 40th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by meritorious achievement in Korea during the period 24 May to 23 June 1953. Captain ACHÉE assumed the position of Operations Officer when the over–all workload was at a maximum, and effected an efficient and superior reorganization of his section. Captain ACHEE directed the Battalion’s operational activities when it was placed in direct support of the Infantry Regiments on the main line of resistance. Despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, Captain ACHÉE personally supervised the operations of the units in support of the combat elements, thereby increasing their combat efficiency. In addition, Captain ACHEE coordinated the activities of the construction projects; road construction and maintenance assigned to the Battalion, which were widely scattered, several tasks being conducted concurrently to meet deadline dates. Through Captain ACHÉE’s untiring efforts and dauntless determination, he was able to accomplish the tremendous tasks assigned within the time limitations imposed. The initiative and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain ACHÉE reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Entered the Federal service from Louisiana.
OFFICIAL
s/L. D. Shirey
L. D. SHIREY
WOJG, USA
Asst Adj Gen
FAREWELL TO FORT BELVOIR, WELCOME TO FRANCE:
LTC ACHÉE assumed command of the battalion in September 1963 and through his leadership continually improved the battalion’s record through January 1965. The In France portion of 97th EBC unit history devotes several paragraphs to unit activities and accomplishments.
The bottom graphic shows LTC and Mrs. Achée in a receiving line at the Engineer Ball, Verdun Officer’s Club, on 19 December 1964.
The following surviving photographs are from the loose photo files of the commander. In the first photo, LTC Achée holds a camera, so we know he took more than we have for record:
LOOSE PHOTOS BELIEVED TO BE FROM SERVICE IN VIETNAM:
A ceremony photograph, perhaps not even taken in France, found in his military records shows a possible battalion–sized unit apparently led by Lieutenant Colonel Achée, but the unit patch and colors are not easily recognized. My best guess would be that the subdued shoulder patch worn by the man out front is the same as worn by the 20th Engineer Brigade shown on the photo. The 18th Engineer and the 926th Engineer Brigades each have a similar patch. If anyone knows the actual identity of this unit, please let us know.
The second photograph’s setting is apparently in Vietnam. All present wear combat jungle boots and wear Vietnam era fatigues. The reverse side of this photo has the following inscription: Gen Duke, LTC Achee, MAJ Anderson S-3, and the date 5 May 1968:
These photographs have significance—we just do not yet know enough to share.
For instance, MG Duke was the Senior Engineer officer in Vietnam in 1968. MG Ploger,
who you will later see in a photo as he presents a Legion of Merit,
held the same Senior Engineer post in Vietnam, just before MG Duke toook that position.
The source for information regarding the position held by MG Duke is the following:
A note regarding MG Duke seen above:
RETIREMENT:
