Photo By Kare Lohse
LONG TIME ATTU BUDDIES
“Kober Seippel & Rene Thibault”
I suspect most of us have had at least one good buddy during our lifetimes, strong bonds creating a relationship
between two individuals sharing similar likes, objectives, and endeavors in life. Even stronger bonds between
individuals are formed during periods of conflict when one’s very life may depend on the actions taken by their
fellow men in arms when all are serving in harm’s way.
Kober Seippel and Rene Thibault met while undergoing training at the Parris Island, South Carolina Boot Camp
early in 1945 and stayed together from Boot Camp until they were discharged. They were always best buddies. It's
ironic that they even bunked next to each other in the same barracks on Attu! Kober Seippel is shown on the left in
these photos, and Rene (Frenchy) Thibault is on the right. The top photo was taken on Attu around July of 1946. The
bottom photo was taken on Camp Pendleton, San Diegeo County, California in August of 1996. A prime example of
a friendship lasting over 50 years.
Kober Seippel (L) & Rene Thibault (R)
Camp Pendelton, August 1946
