Photograph of WWII soldiers taking a mess break was taken by Thomas Brusveen circa 1944. More of Brusveen’s photos can be found on the Monticello Area Historical Society website: www.

monticellohistoricalsociety.org.

Excerpts from “World War II photos depict the ‘way it was;’” an article by Paula Maki in The Blade Atlas November 10, 1994:

“One of the American soldiers landing on the shores of Normandy, France during the D-Day invasion was Thomas Brusveen, a Blanchardville native and Monticello barber. Along with his carbine rifle, Thomas carried two cameras in his gear. His photographs would depict not only the war’s devastations, but it would demonstrate human spirit and courage.”

“In spite of being 34 years of age and a married man, Brusveen was not excluded from being drafted in 1942. He joined the 31st Decontamination Chemical Company on July 4th. Amphibious and chemical warfare training took place over several months.” The 31st Decontamination Chemical Company became part of the 12th Army Group during D-Day. After Normandy, Pfc. Brusveen’s company would serve in Paris, France; Luxembourg, Belgium; and Cologne, Germany.