World War II brought soldiers to Sisters

World War II is an event that helped to shape our identity as Americans. It is still prominent in our collective historic memory, and its effects far reaching. Even the small town of Sisters has its World War II experiences.

When the United States entered World War II, lifelong Sisters resident Helen Benson was in her second year at Oregon State University. She decided to return home in order to help with the family business, which was the Sorensen service station on Cascade Avenue. Whenever she drove to Bend, the odds were very good that she would be stopped by the "Red Army." Soldiers would ask for identification, perform a cursory inspection of the vehicle, then send her on her way. When she returned to Sisters, the odds would again be very good that she would be stopped, this time by members of the "Blue Army," who would conduct the same exercise.

Tanks and other armored vehicles made their presence known in the Sisters Country.

Georgia Gallagher lived on the family ranch south of town. She could always tell when tanks were on maneuvers because the air was filled with dust. Several Sisters area residents contracted pneumonia during that time and contended that it was the result of the dust generated by the vehicles.

Charlie Morris says that the presence of tanks was especially exciting for the youngsters in town. From time to time soldiers opened a turret hatch and allowed the children to peer down into the heart of the vehicle. They also ran errands for the men in uniform, going into town to purchase a candy bar or magazine. There was almost always a tip.

Morris also recalls a time when government-issue radio equipment was reported missing. Army personnel paid a visit to the elementary school and asked all the students if they had any information regarding the loss. The boys were also frisked.

Sisters residents were surprised when they discovered that the bridge over Whychus Creek (then Squaw Creek) at the south end of town was taken out by a recalcitrant tank. The bridge was repaired in short order, but the tank didn't fare as well. It stood silent alongside the road for some time, awaiting the arrival of replacement parts.

Many years ago Black Butte Ranch was referred to as Muddy or Swamp Ranch by area locals. A visiting tank crew discovered exactly why. It became hopelessly stuck in a bog and required the help of Carl Campbell's draft horses to pull it from the mud.

For many years Hays and Roblay McMullin operated Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman. Roblay described the soldiers with whom she had contact as "a respectful and friendly group."

Some would spend time off at the lodge and many would meet family members there. One day an Army general registered at the lodge. He was to meet his wife and two daughters there for an extended weekend. McMullin expressed concern that the general's presence would have an unsettling effect on the soldiers.

"I understand, Ms. McMullin," replied the general. "I'm fairly used to that. My family and I plan to spend most of our time on the front porch of our cabin. I doubt that anyone will even see us." Just then two young soldiers ran into the lobby, laughing and joking. They were soaking wet from a dip in the creek.

When they saw the general they immediately snapped to attention. McMullin recalls that the young men were so rigid they were shaking, and it wasn't because they were cold. The general approached the soldiers and told them to stand at ease. He then directed them to relax and have a good time.

Those soldiers who spent part of 1943 in the Sisters Country were members of the 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Shortly after their departure from Central Oregon they were deployed to Europe and participated in a number of significant engagements, including the Battle of the Bulge. Casualties were 41 killed in action, 161 wounded and nine missing in action.