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Testimony of: Pfc. Peter J. De Marzo (Contd)

757 Q Did you try to stop the mob or break up the mob?

A I went down to see what was taking place and being as we were guards and I didn't want shooting to go on and before I knew it .......

758 Q Did you make any effort to keep them from taking your rifle?

A Well, sir, it happened so fast.

759 Q What effort did you make to get your rifle back?

A I tried to get back but they all squeezed in around me. There must have been 200 people around me.

760 Q Did you make any effort to arrest the man who shot these two SS men?

A Well, sir, I could not even get at them. Before I knew it the captain handed me the gun and said does this belong to you and took my name. I stood there like a dope.

761 Q Did he ask you to identify the men who had taken the rifle away from you?

A No.

762 Q Did you go down to this pillbox by yourself or was another soldier with you?

A There was a buddy of mine.

763 Q What is his name?

A Joseph Ondik of "L" company, 157th.

764 Q What was he doing in the meantime?

A He came down to see what happened, too.

765 Q How far away was he from you when you lost your rifle?

A I don't remember. About three feet or something like that.

766 Q What were your orders as sentry at the time?

A To take charge of the post and all government property in view. That was right in front of us.

767 Q Did you have any special orders?

A Well, prisoners were coming in and out at all times. They had to have a pass.

768 Q Did you make any report of this incident to the corporal of the guard, or the sergeant of the guard, or the officer of the guard?

A The sergeant of the guard was right behind me. I didn't tell them anything. They just took me away, just like that.

769 Q What is the name of the sergeant of the guard?

A His second name is Miller, my platoon leader. I don't know his first name.

770 Q Has anyone done anything with you in the way of disciplinary action since this occurred?

A Do I have to answer that? Can I speak to Lt. Stewart? No, they just made me stay in my room for awhile.

771 Q How long?

A I don't remember. It must have been a day.