After reading Andrew Biggio’s book The Rifle, I was especially captivated by the story of John “Jack” Moran, a veteran of the 347th Regiment of the 87th Infantry Division. He vividly recounted his experiences in the small border town of Obergailbach, where, in December 1944, jack and his fellow soldiers faced fierce German opposition, including tanks positioned on the high ground of Hill 360.

As a collector of U.S wartime uniforms and as an amateur historian outside of my career as an aircraft mechanic I felt compelled one day visit Obergailbach. I brought with me an 87th Division uniform from my collection with the intention of simply photographing it in the very place where Moran and his comrades once fought.

But standing there, I realized that a photograph alone was not enough. I felt a strong responsibility to take things further and to ensure the actions and sacrifices of the 87th Infantry Division in Obergailbach would be permanently remembered.

Upon returning home, I reached out to the 87th Infantry Division Association, which kindly helped me establish direct contact with Mr. Moran. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for these efforts and generously shared additional memories of the battle for Hill 360 including some personal touches he wants adding including the names of his friends who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This fundraiser is dedicated to creating a lasting memorial in Obergailbach, with the full support and permission of the town’s mayor and council.

Mr. Moran has been personally invited to attend the unveiling, where a formal ceremony will honor him and all the men of the 87th Infantry Division who fought there.

My ultimate goal is to raise as much money as I can in a short amount of time to ensure that Jack gets to see this memorial with his own two eyes.