ABOUT

October 28, 2023
Doc Snafu getting Medical Surgery on November 2, 2023. (Nothing really serious but right hand will be over for weeks).
EUCMH needs a little help – Thank You

Welcome to the site. Just a few words before, I just want you to know that the entire project EUCMH runs only on donations done by our visitors. Being on rent now, I’m 68, I have no other way to keep this online and this is why I am asking you to understand that it is not easy full time. So, think about and if you can help, just do it. You can donate via Paypal and get a bill (upon request) or you can also in the side bar of every single post do a donation via Give or even via Crypto Currency, USDT (TRC20).

A big Big thank you in advance,
Gunter G. Gillot (aka Doc Snafu)





Gunter G. Gillot, a.k.a Günter G. Gillot Jr (G for Georges), a.k.a Doc Snafu, born unintentionally in Aachen, Germany on May 4, 1955, has exhibited a profound interest in World War Two since his early years. His fascination with this historical period stemmed from his frequent visits to the Krinkelter Forest with his parents during weekends for more than 15 years. Gunter is one of five siblings, having three younger sisters named Katryn, Catherine, and Carole, and a deceased toddler brother. Katrin resides in Heidelberg, Germany, while Catherine resides in the Sainte Marie de la Mer along the Mediterranean Sea in France. Unfortunately, Carole passed away at the age of 44 due to cancer. Gunter’s toddler brother also met an untimely demise in the early 1950s.

Volunteering for the Belgian Army in the Zone of Occupation in Germany, Gunter’s military service stationed him in Düren, Germany, for one year (1973-1974), followed by Siegen, Germany, for another year (1975-1976). During his time in Siegen, he encountered Annegret, whom he later married in 1976 upon his return to Belgium after being discharged from the army. Gunter and Annegret were blessed with three children: Cindy (39 years old), Kimberley (36 years old), and Gary (30 years old). Cindy opted to remain at home and continues to reside with Gunter and Annegret to this day. Kimberley, who experienced a failed marriage, is currently in a committed relationship with Jordao. Kimberley and Jordao are working towards making Gunter a grandfather by September 2023.

Tragically, Gary suffered severe injuries approximately ten years ago when he was struck by a young female driver under the influence. The accident resulted in significant damage to his foot and severe brain trauma, leaving him in the process of recovering and reintegrating into everyday life. Despite these challenges, Gunter, now 68 years old, has persevered and maintained his lifelong passion for World War Two and the American soldiers who liberated his parents’ and grandparents’ generation in 1945.

Since 1995, Gunter has been managing the European Center of Military History, dedicating his efforts to preserving and disseminating accurate historical information. He takes great satisfaction in the absence of comments on the center’s website, as he exclusively relies on original archives authored by those who actively participated in combat. Gunter’s commitment to ensuring textual precision has allowed him to achieve his goal of presenting the most accurate accounts. During his transition from an expert in ammunitions and civilian explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) to a historian, Gunter found guidance in Charles B. MacDonald, a World War Two veteran who served as his spiritual mentor. MacDonald not only provided Gunter with a path to follow but also imparted knowledge on avoiding the publication of sensationalized texts that often cater to the financial motives of post-war individuals seeking maximum exploitation of the subject matter.

The European Center of Military History, an esteemed institution dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of accurate historical information, operates as a genuine non-profit endeavor. Its primary sources of funding are derived from Google Adsense advertising and, on occasion, generous donations from the readers of the website. As an organization committed to upholding historical integrity, the European Center of Military History relies on financial support to acquire essential materials such as archives and photographs. These resources play a crucial role in enabling the center to create publications of the highest quality, characterized by meticulous research and comprehensive documentation. While donations from readers are gratefully received, the center often encounters financial limitations in acquiring the necessary materials for its publications. The costs associated with procuring archives and photographs can be substantial, making it challenging to achieve the level of perfection and accuracy that the center strives for.

As a passionate advocate for historical accuracy, the European Center of Military History kindly appeals to its readers and supporters for additional contributions. These additional funds would greatly assist in acquiring the materials required to enhance the publication process, ensuring that the center continues to provide valuable historical insights and educational resources to a wide audience (1.75 million in the past 6 years). By investing in the European Center of Military History, individuals have the opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation and advancement of historical knowledge. Their generous support through donations can help bridge the financial gap, enabling the center to acquire the necessary materials and deliver exceptional publications that uphold the highest standards of accuracy. The center remains committed to its mission of fostering a deeper understanding of military history, and it sincerely appreciates the support of its readers and the wider community in sustaining its important work.

The European Center of Military History is currently undertaking preparations to establish a comprehensive “Then and Now” photos directory. While I possess knowledge of numerous locations relevant to the project, the accessibility of these sites varies, with some being open to the public and others situated on private grounds. Consequently, I am actively planning to procure professional photography equipment to ensure the production of high-quality images. Maintaining a commitment to precision and authenticity, both in textual descriptions and accompanying photographs, remains a primary objective for myself and the center. The discerning nature of my readers and the majority of visiting historians necessitates an unwavering dedication to accuracy. To fulfill this objective, the acquisition of specialized equipment is imperative. However, due to financial constraints resulting from my current rental status, the cost of acquiring such equipment proves prohibitively expensive and beyond my means.

Given the circumstances, any assistance or support in obtaining the necessary photography equipment would be sincerely appreciated. The expenses associated with procuring this material are substantial, making external aid vital for the successful realization of the “Then and Now” photos directory. Support from renowned entities in the industry, such as Kodak USA or Kodak EU, would be particularly invaluable in furthering the project which would costs about 12K. By securing the required resources, the European Center of Military History aims to ensure the highest quality representation of historical sites and their transformations over time. The inclusion of professional photography equipment will enable the center to accurately capture the essence of these locations, providing an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

The establishment of the “Then and Now” photos directory represents an important step towards preserving historical authenticity and advancing our understanding of the past. Any assistance received in acquiring the necessary equipment would greatly contribute to the center’s ability to deliver comprehensive and reliable historical documentation, enhancing the overall value of the project to the scholarly community and the public at large. The last point of this behalf is that I use only Paypal for this because I don’t want to collect personal informations about my Donators until they request it.

Last be not least, the European Center of Military History welcomes the participation of Guest Writers, a term employed to denote individuals, including children, who contribute to the publication by sharing their parents’ diaries discovered in attics or other similar locations. The center acknowledges the inherent value of such personal accounts and encourages their dissemination as a means of enriching historical understanding. The opportunity to collaborate with Guest Writers is a cherished aspect of the center’s mission, as it recognizes that history, like freedom, possesses an immeasurable worth that transcends monetary considerations. The inclusion of Guest Writers offers a unique perspective and enhances the diversity of voices within the historical narrative. These contributions bring forth firsthand experiences and personal recollections, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of historical events. By fostering an environment that embraces the accounts of individuals who have stumbled upon family diaries or other pertinent artifacts, the center cultivates a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of human experiences during significant periods of history.

It is of paramount importance to remove any hesitations surrounding the written form, as the European Center of Military History views historical knowledge as an invaluable asset that must be safeguarded and shared. Therefore, if there is any uncertainty or apprehension regarding the articulation of these accounts, the center is ready to assist in the editing and refinement process, ensuring that the essence of the historical narratives remains intact while adhering to established academic standards. In recognizing that history holds a value beyond measure, the European Center of Military History emphasizes its commitment to providing a platform for Guest Writers and the unique contributions they bring. By transcending the confines of monetary considerations and embracing the spirit of historical exploration, the center endeavors to uphold the integrity and accessibility of historical knowledge, fostering an environment where the diverse voices of Guest Writers can coalesce and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the past.

Doc and Maryline
Solwaster (Jalhay), Belgium
June 12, 2023





Right: Joe Lombardo, USA, Grandson of PFC Joseph Lombardo, Left Doc Snafu in Solwaster, September 2023