This is an engineering drawing from Chester County Water Authority regarding 1994 plans to build a bridge between Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware 3rd.
1994 – Contributed by G. Ernest Heegard

A letter from Bob Matje Jr. to Roy Cole in 1994 regarding the Camp Horseshoe / Ware bridge.
1994 – Contributed by G. Ernest Heegard

In 1985, I was Program Director for the Council. Horseshoe faced a problem, both an exasperation and expense. Two camps and no way to get across the Octoraro for our Camp Ranger, Roy Cole, as well as the Scouts and leaders. Roy, living on the Ware side, had to drive 30 minutes to get to the other side of the Reservation to service Horseshoe.

Many avenues were pursued, none with success. I concluded that a “Bailey Bridge” might work having seen them work in Europe in World War II.I investigated but all my efforts seemed futile. I had about given up except for a person I had met when working in another council with a group of volunteers. I recalled working with a quiet, efficient and dedicated volunteer – David Pergrin. One day, David was visiting our Council Trading Post and stopped in to my office to say ‘hello’. In our conversation, I happened to mention the dilemma and frustration in finding a Bailey Bridge. I was floored when he casually commented: “Maybe I can help. I will be meeting with the Commander of The Corps of Engineers in Washington, to help rewrite the history of the Combat Engineers.”

In all my time, working with David, he never bothered to mention that he had commanded the most decorated unit in the history of the Combat Engineers. His unit, the 291st Combat Engineer Battalion, had fought across Europe, and had built, under shellfire, the first bridge to cross the Rhine River. Needless to say, Colonel Pergrin did what he had to do and we got our bridge!

Etched in my memory, is the scene along the Octoraro where the majority of our campers and leaders stood observing the spectacle, while a fully bedecked Army Engineering Battalion, that had bivouacked in camp the previous evening, now did their thing. And so, through the skills and labors of many men, the bridge was built, and for just one summer, the camp and Roy Cole in particular, enjoyed the benefits.

As for Colonel Pergrin, at 87 years, he is still receiving decorations (52 honors so far), still going strong, having written three books. His story is best told in his book First Across the Rhine, that has sold 350,000 copies. His amazing story also has appeared in documentaries on television on the History channel. He’s a world-class woodcarver and a lifelong Scouter. He is presently Eagle Scout Review Chairman for Cradle of Liberty where he has reviewed 691 Scouts for the Eagle rank.

However, no good things last forever. When the Army discovered where one of their bridges had disappeared, and being short on Bailey Bridges for training purposes, the bridge had to return home after our camping season.

David Pergrin stands unique as a Soldier, Woodcarver and Scouter. For an outstanding life of service, and a memorable contribution to the history of the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, we extend a sincere thanks and Scout Salute to David Pergrin – a bridge builder.