727th Railway Operating Battalion- Rails of Valor
In the midst of World War II, the role of the railroad was pivotal in ways that may surprise you. Beyond transporting civilians and goods, railroads like the Southern Railway stepped onto the front lines. They sponsored Railway Operating Battalions, an initiative that was critical for the Allied forces’ success.
The Southern Railway’s 727th Railway Operating Battalion, comprised of America’s “soldier railroaders,” is a prime example of this effort. These brave men were tasked with an extraordinary mission: to ensure the prompt delivery of equipment and supplies across the varied and often treacherous terrains of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. Their success was not only in their delivery but also in their valor.
The Battalion was decorated with seven Legions of Merit and seven Purple Hearts. Notably, General George S. Patton himself awarded the 727th an official Battalion Commendation. General Patton lauded their “initiative and perseverance… without regard to personal safety,” which, he said, honored the traditions of the Military Railway Service and the service as a whole.
This Veteran’s Day weekend, we pay tribute to the courage and dedication of these soldier railroaders. We invite you to join us on the Missionary Ridge Local to experience a part of the Southern Railway heritage that contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today. As we ride along the same lines that were once a strategic part of the war effort, let us remember and thank all those who have served. https://www.tvrail.com/2021/11/11/southern-railway-wwii-battalions-valor/
743rd Railway Operating Battalion - Stevens
Earl G Stevens, 95, of Girard, died on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Lecom Senior Living Center.
Earl was born on May 4, 1925, a son to the late Francis C. and Lillian D. (Bitilian) Stevens. He attended Albion High School and in his senior year was inducted into the United States Army on July 14, 1943. He was deployed with the 743rd Railway Operations Battalion as a car mechanic, earning the rank of Corporal. Earl was awarded the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was involved in the Central Europe Campaign as well as the Rhine Land Campaign. Earl served in foreign service for one year, six months and seven days. Upon his honorable discharge in September of 1944 Earl returned home to Cranesville. Earl was a carpenter by trade and worked at George Burns Saw Mill in Albion. He then worked with Craft Lumber until his retirement in 2014 at the age of 87. He built his own boat from wood, which he used to sail in Lake Erie.
Earl was a patient man, a man of few words. He was also known as a hard worker. Earl earned an electronics diploma, with the knowledge he learned there, he built TV's as a hobby. He often fixed neighbors and family's TV's. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying time well spent with his brothers and brothers in-law.
Earl enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Girard American Legion Post #494 and the Edinboro McKean VFW Post 740. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Myra I. Smith, Gladys J. Johnston and Alice M. Bricker; three brothers, Harold J. Stevens, Clifford "Sonny" Stevens and Francis "Chet" W. Stevens. He will be greatly missed by his family which include a niece, Susette Vanaskey; two sisters, Norma Bille and Mildred Ogren; two sister in-laws, Evelyn Stevens and Shirley Nelson; and his best friend, Gene Herhold; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to A. F. Dobler Hose & Ladder Company, 37 Walnut St, Girard, PA 16417. A service will be held this spring. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home Inc. Girard To send condolences please visit edderfuneralhome.com.
743rd ROB Historical Sketch
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