Bouse in La Paz County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Camp Bouse
The 554th Ordnance - Heavy Maintenance Company (Tanks)
— 9th Tank Group CDL Project —
Unit left Camp Bouse 27th April, 1944 for Ft. Hamilton, NY. Boarded the Troop ship, Queen Elizabeth 21 June, 1944 arriving at Grennock, Scotland, 28 June and then departed for Puncheston, Wales.
Boarded an L. S. T. craft at Swansea, Wales 18 August, 1944 and crossed the English Channel arriving at Utah Beach, Normandy, France. Quartered in the area briefly and then sent to Vise, Belgium 13 November, 1944.
Engaged in Battle of the Bulge during Dec. 1944 and Jan. 1945. Later, unit crossed the Siegfried line near Aachen, Germany arriving at Munchen Gladback. Crossed the Rhine River and entered Hamm, Germany 11 April, 1945. Crossed the Elb River 3 May, 1945 and entered Wittenberg, Germany. Unit remained here until VE Day.
The job description of the 554th was to retrieve combat damaged tanks. The unit had three tank retriever vehicles which were used to transport these tanks to rear areas. Tanks were repaired, serviced and returned, along with new tanks to front lines.
In June 1945, the 554th was selected to be sent to the Pacific theater. On VJ Day, August 1945, unit was enroute to the U. S.
During October and November 1945, members were discharged at various locations in the U. S. Many of the original members were discharged at Ft. McPherson, GA.
Erected 1999 by Veterans of the 554th Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Co., the Lost Dutchman, Billy Holcomb & John P. Squibob chapters of E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 96.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Desert Training Center, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1943.
Location. 33° 55.898′ N, 114° 0.293′ W. Marker is in Bouse, Arizona, in La Paz County. Marker is on Broadway Avenue (Arizona Route 72 at milepost 27) south of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bouse AZ 85325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 739th Tank Battalion (SP) (ME) (here, next to this marker); 748th Tank Battalion (here, next to this marker); 738th Medium Tank Battalion, Special (here, next to this marker); Monument Row (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Camp Bouse (here, next to this marker); George L. Wendt (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Camp Bouse (a few steps from this marker); 736th Tank Battalion (M) SP (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bouse.
Additional commentary.
1. names of 554th
My Dad served in the 554th and was from Gadsden, Alabama. His name is Charlie Warren and his best friend during the war was Vernon Dunn from Birmingham, Al. If my Dad was living he would be 92 this August. He only told my brother and I about funny stories/things that happened during the war. I know that was his coping mechanism. I really would like to know more so that my son can know what his granddaddy did for our Contry! If there is anyone who is living from this unit or any relatives that have any information, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
— Submitted May 27, 2012, by Deborah Warren Valentine of Starkville, Mississippi.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,014 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.