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Date:

1/3/2004

Comments

Steve Iacobucci, I served with Gibson, K-Trp 75-78

Date:

1/3/2004

Comments

Very well written and informative website. Makes me think about what you Army guys had to put up with. Learned a lot during my visit.

Mark Robinson HT1(SW) US Navy

Date:

1/8/2004

Comments

Hi,

Real nice web site!! My name is Roy W. Patterson. I served with B Troop 1st Sqdn. 14th Armored Cavalry ] 1966-1969. I guess one of the high lights of my tour was when the Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968. It seemed to us like we were out in our alert positions forever and that the "balloon was going to go up!". I got out to OP Alpha regularly. It was a very sobering and profound experience. I remember back in late '66' or early '67' when the Soviets changed the zone fence over to that stamped steel type of fence. They had the guards there with the workers making sure they didn't try to walk on over to our side! Thanks for putting this site together! Roy W. Patterson formerly Spec.5 B Troop 1st Sqdn. 14th Armored Cavalry

Date:

1/8/2004

Comments

Great to see a site concerning my little part of the Cold War.I have a photo of some miserable looking East German border guard ===come to think of it, almost as miserable as I was. Thanks again, Alan H. Thompson(Mateo) PFC HQ Troop 1st Squad. 14th Arm. Cav. athompson@stny.rr.com

Date:

1/22/2004

Comments

B Trp 1/11 Border Vet 1981-1983 C Trp 1-1 Border Vet 1985-1988 It was a very tense,interesting exp,one i will never forget. SSG.(ret)John M.Kurdziolek

Date:

1/22/2004

Comments

The site is great but we need to mention 1-1 Cav, we were attached to the 2nd ACR, Camp Pittman.

Date:

1/22/2004

Comments

Hallo!

My Name is Frank Godniak. I was from 1983 to 1986 in the border guards in near of Hof/Saale. Your Site is very interesting for my.

Greats from Magdeburg!

Date:

1/23/2004

Comments

B Trp 1/11 ACR 81-83 C Trp 1-1 Cav 85-88 very tense, interesting times. wouldn't trade my memories for anything. SSG(ret)John M.Kurdziolek e-mail kurdjos@military.com p.s up date with some 1-1 Cav info.

Date:

1/25/2004

Comments

i think the site is great, I have a couple questions is there any 14th armored calvary from the airfield company or any boards to contact friends and i am a member of the border ligieon is their any history of the troops that went throughand are members contact me at drmomndad@yahoo.com thanks

Date:

1/28/2004

Comments

I was a Cav Scout stationed along the border in both Hof and Coburg from 85-90. If anyone has a complete list of the old brevity codes (fragrep, chogie, etc.) e-mail me at apachewarpath@hotmail.com I'm trying to write a book on the "good old" cold war days here in Germany and the ways we trained back then. Thanks!

Date:

1/28/2004

Comments

I was a Cav Scout stationed along the border in both Hof and Coburg from 85-90. If anyone has a complete list of the old brevity codes (fragrep, chogie, etc.) e-mail me at apachewarpath@hotmail.com I'm trying to write a book on the "good old" cold war days here in Germany and the ways we trained back then. Thanks!

Date:

1/29/2004

Comments

A Big Shout out to all of you that was stationed in Bad Kissingen ( BK ) 1979-1983 Remember the AID Station, the snack bar, I worked at the snack bar, Mona is my name. I married SP-4 V. Britman he was in the AID station giving you all medical attention. Remember us? I also worked at the Eagles Nest EM club with Joseph the Spanish guy. We served lunch to you Gi's while you ate chicken and watched the old fashioned Big Screen TV...

Date:

2/3/2004

Comments

Hello Mr.Prescott,

I´ve lost your email-adress (in order to send you new information of my website grenzerinnerungen.de, you remember?). Now the site is published also in English (grenzerinnerungen.de/english). I have a request: Please efface my email address from your website after reading this message (in order to avoid spams).

Greetings from Germany

Florian Bortfeldt (www.grenzerinnerungen.de)

Date:

2/7/2004

Comments

This site rocks!!!I would really like to here from all of you?SGT. RON FRENCH E-TRP,1'ST PLT 2/11 ACR, BAD KISSIGEN,GERMANY 84-89!RONS7667@AOL.COM

Date:

2/10/2004

Comments

Hello again. My name is Tim Brashear and I was stationed at Fulda from 76-78. I was in 3rd Plt air troop and crewed a cobra. I remember tagging along in a OH-58 or in the front seat of a cobra to patrol the border. I don,t remember what we were looking for but am glade its all tore down. I enjoyed my stay in Germany and the German people. How about that Beer? If anyone remembers me drop a line in the comment section. Thanks Tim. ALLONS

Date:

2/19/2004

Comments

My family and I were stationed in Bad Hersfeld with my father, Brian Turgeon. We were there from 1984-1987. I don't know much about what he did. I know he was in the army and he has alot of memorbilla with the black horse on it. Just curious if anyone knew who he was. Holly Turgeon Cr8zym2@aol.com

Date:

2/21/2004

Comments

I WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 19/54 cml.det. IN AUG.79 UNTIL SEPT.81 UPON MY TRANSFER TO FT.LEWIS,WA MY 1SG AND MY FELLOWS SOLDIERS GREETED ME WITH A SPECIAL SOUVENIER (a plate) YES, BECAUSE I WAS A BIG EATER. I WAS AT THE SMALL LITTLE BASE CALLED SUB-POST RIGHT NEXT TO THE MP PLATOON. THE 19/54th CHEMICAL WAS MY FIRST ASSIGNMENT FROM CHEMICAL SCHOOL ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND. so write nbc54e

Date:

2/22/2004

Comments

HI GUYS, from downs brks, 19/54 chemical det. from 1979-1981 this alberto coats. also my friends from 9th chemical co. at ft.lewis wash. from 1981-83 and my friends at wiesbaden 2/22inf[deactivated]then we were transfered to butzbach[kirgoens] 2/36 inf or the rock.[ hard rock charlie] then in 1985 I ETS most of the time you can find me on military chat I am nbc54e RENEE IF YOU SEE THIS PLEASE FIND ME

Date:

2/23/2004

Comments

nbc54e alberto coats

Date:

2/26/2004

Comments

great site was stationed in fulda 76-79 st air 11th acr was a huey crew chief walter mazuchowski,jr [m-ski] was my nick name had a good run over there would love to go back and visit. when is the next reunion? if anyone remembers me email is bufmaz1@yahoo.com take care

Date:

2/28/2004

Comments

I served with the 19/54th chem.det. in Fulda in a small post outside downs brks. this post was called subpost, that's where the MP's and finance were at. I was there from 79-81. I was transfered to Ft.Lewis Wa. to the 9TH chem.Co in North Ft. I was there until Feb 83. Then, to Wiesbaden Air Base with 2/22Inf[mech. 4th inf bde] the brigade was deactivated and we were sent to the Rock 2/36 Inf at Butzbach[Kirchgoins] I was assigned with c co or you can HARD ROCK CHARLIE. I was the nbc nco until my ets in Dec 85. I like to say thanks to many old friends of mine by order; BAXTER, BECKET, SCOTTY, NELSON,1SGT SHEPPARD. TO ALL OF YOU WHOSE NAMES I DID NOT MENTIONED I AM ALBERTO COATS AND FOR SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR, RENEE CHARON IF YOU READ THIS AND YOU STILL REMEMBER ME SEND ME E MAIL NBC54e aol thank you guys

---

Date:

2/29/2004

Comments

I was glad to have been part of the border patrol operations during the cold war (Jan - Feb 88). My last tour of duty while stationed in Bamberg FRG with HHC 3-35 Armor Bn, 1st Armor Division as senior medic for Delta Company. The long training and testing to prepare for Border Patrol. And once there, stationed at Camp Pittman with some of the guys from 1-1 Cav 1st Armor Division. I enjoyed going on patrols assigned to us. Seeing into Czech and E. Germany, the towers, guards, Hind D's, and other Warsaw Pact equipment. I wish I had kept my training materials from the classes, writting "handicap black" reports and other fun and interesting things associated with border operations and patroling. I'm glad this site is here. It is not the same now the wall is down.

To all my brothers that patrolled the "Iron Curtin", job well done.

SPC Kevin E Badger HHC 3-35 Ar Bn 1st Armor Division Bamberg FRG Delta Company Senior Medic

Date:

3/4/2004

Comments

My name is Rudy Keith, I was a Lance Missile Crewmember with the 1/32nd FA in Erlensee from 12/83 through 07/85. I actually went on a tour near the Fulda Gap April/May 1985. I have a hand-out of the "East German (GDR) Border Fortification System" (PDF) we received from the West German Border officer. Can I email this to you? Pretty creepy job up there! I recall seeing those Cobra's flying up and down the whole time we were there, and of course the East Germans taking pix of us on the tour. Rudy Keith/Albuquerque, NM rkeith@rodey.com

Date:

3/9/2004

Time:

2:47:47 PM

Remote User:

 

Comments

MISTER TED,

A GREAT,WONDERFUL SITE! THIS IS A MONUMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE TWO GERMANIES AND OF THE COLD WAR|! I'M AN ITALIAN INTERESTED IN GERMAN LANGUAGE AND HISTORY AS A HOBBY OF MINE!EXCUSE ME FOR MY POOR ENGLISH! PAOLO BESOZZI BERGAMO-LOMBARDIA-ITALY E-MAIL.:PAO.BES@TISCALI.IT

Date:

3/18/2004

Comments

Excellent Site!! I have found many names of those that I served with and lost contact!!

First, I would like to make mention to the "WAR STORY" about "The OP Alpha X-mas Raid" by Joe Reeder!! HEY JOE, this is Roger Haak, SSG, the OTHER NCO, that was with you in the Tann Pocket just South of CP 21, where we hid behind the old shed for several hours, observing the round command tower, before chopping down the TREE and tying it to the top of the jeep!! Then had to chop off about 2-3 feet of the bottom to get it into the (old dome shaped!) Dayroom!!! AND WAS IT EVER COLD/SNOW ABOUT 10" DEEP!!! AND I'll bet everyone thought it was just another "WAR STORY!!"

Anyway, I started in A Trp in '81 and then HHT-SBOC 'til '84--LTC John Abrams, Jr. Commander, 1/11ACR! What an excellent time-frame!!! I still have photos of OP Alpha to include, probably, the only shot of the old wooden-tower standing in front of the New Concrete-tower under-construction!! Along with many other pictures!! I was also Border-Flight/Photo/Patrol inspector, for all activities, including liaison with Zoll & BGS troops!! Most of you will probably remember my VW Pick-up??

If anyone knows the where-abouts of 1Lt Ploompuu(S-2, 1/11ACR OIC, or SSG Glenn Jennings, SBOC-NCOIC, or Robert "BOB" McPeak, SGT/Border-Flights & Computer Guru for SBOC, please send me info or contact anytime by anyone from that era!!

I also served A Trp 1/2ACR, then C Trp 1/2ACR from '75 to '79, & many tours at Gates & Pittman!! I'm also looking for Robert "BOBBY" Pollard(A Trp/Oklahoma) & Johnny "JD" Daniels(C Trp/Alabama)

Again, Excellent site and hope to RE-connect with old friends!!! (Scottsdale, AZ) StangerSix@yahoo.com

Date:

3/23/2004

Comments

Greetings,

as a collector of communist militaria, I like your site very much. I have 3 complete Uniforms of the Grenztruppen (and a lot of other communist armies) I have some books and a DVD about the DDR, I think your site has some nice additional information. Well done!

Oberstleutnant Aschwin Ausser Dienst

Date:

4/2/2004

Comments

Greetings to all Blackhorse troopers, past and present. I was assigned to 3/11th ACR in Bad Hersfeld, Germany from May 1973 continuously until September 1978. I practically grew up there as I was still only 17 years old when I first arrived in Bad Hersfeld. LTC Jack Dice was the Squadron Commander then - "Snake Eyes" Dice, as a few were known to refer to him. Captain White was my first Troop Commander. SFC Harvey was my first Platoon Sergeant. SSG Kennedy and SGT Tony Roman were both there, too. Needless to say, I have a lot of memories from my time spent there. During that entire period, almost five and a half years, I went home on leave only once which was in 1976.

LTC(R) Glenn Allardyce posted his comments on 4/25/2003 regarding OP Oscar. I couldn't help but notice that very little, if anything at all, is mentioned by anyone on any website, concerning my favorite place on the border, OP Oscar.

As LTC Allardyce pointed out, it was our northern-most located OP and, just as it was during the time when LTC Allardyce was there, OP Oscar was a permanently manned facility and functioned the same way as OP India and OP Romeo. I really enjoyed pulling border duty at OP Oscar much more than OP North (India) or OP South (Romeo). I'm not sure why. Perhaps it was because it seemed so remote.

In the summer of 2001, my wife and I were visiting friends and relatives in Germany. One day as we were traveling by train from Bebra, north toward Goettingen, we were required to change trains in Eichenberg, a small village close to nowhere. As we waited on the platform for our connecting train, I looked around and felt certain I'd been there before. I realized that it was the bahnhof located just a short distance from OP Oscar. It was where we sometimes loaded or unloaded our tracked vehicles on or off flatbed railroad cars when our platoon was either arriving or departing OP Oscar. Many nights I'd spent up on that hill above listening to the constant sounds coming from that bahnhof - trains squeaking to a stop, the loud hissing of compressed air suddenly released, and the every so often a voice announcing in German information over the loudspeaker.

Two or three days later, as we were returning to Bebra, which is where my wife's parents live, we decided to catch a later connection out of Eichenberg in order to spend some time there. We walked down that narrow, winding road, which led us through that familiar railroad underpass up to where the OP had once stood. We spent the entire afternoon up on that hill searching for remnants of OP Oscar. We found very little which indicated that the OP had been there - only the concrete base of the tower and a few pieces of something that looked like blue tile.

I spent many days and nights on the border when I was assigned to I Troop. In 1974 the "Jeep Platoon" or "Border Platoon", as we called it, was formed by Border Ops. I was one of the original drivers. Eventually, there were eight of us in addition to the SSG and SGT who "supervised" us, and a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. We were very good at our primary duties, but during the first several months after the border platoon was formed, we were almost out of control. We never stood in any formations so we got away with lots of things which included very infrequent haircuts and unconventional uniform standards. By virtue of our positions as border patrol drivers, we were exempt from all duty rosters. We drove patrol for four days and then we were off for four days, unless of course there was critical work to be done on our jeep which had to be ready to go out on patrol fours later. I don't think anyone had jeeps that could run like ours. Initially, most were pieces of junk which were given to us when the border platoon was first formed. But we worked on them, putting them back together, restoring them to operating condition, until they would run like no ther jeep could. We took a lot of pride in how completely equipped our vehicles were, too. Occasionally it became necessary to conduct covert operations in various motor pool areas at night in order to ensure that we had all the equipment we needed. It's unbelievable how fast some of them jeeps would go, thanks to some of the unconventional maintenance and tricks we were taught by that mechanic.

We were permanent drivers for both the North Patrol and the South Patrol. So once we were formed and operational, it was no longer necessary for the various Troop Commanders who were tasked to conduct the border patrols to provide as many personnel - they didn't have to provide vehicles or drivers, only a patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, and two observers. As a result, those of us who were assigned as permanent patrol drivers for Border Operations, came to know practically every inch of the border. The patrol leaders rarely had to consult their maps. I knew, as did the other drivers, where every checkpoint and PVP (Primary Vantage Point) was located. We had memorized the location of every single checkpoint along the border trace and knew all the shortcuts too. Each patrol was inspected and briefed just prior to departing for the border. As we mounted up and headed out, we would tell the patrol leader, usually a First or Second Lieutenant or a senior NCO,to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. All I needed to know was whether we were doing odd-numbered checkpoints today or even-numbered checkpoints. There weren't any more 2LT's or brand new junior NCO's getting lost on their first or second time out as patrol leader or assistant patrol leader.

I drove border patrol at least four days out of every eight for about eight months. We ate a lot of C-rations. I would place my can of the "main course", usually some kind of "meat-like" substance, on the manifold of the jeep engine when we started out in the morning. It would be nice and hot when it was time for lunch. We often timed our lunch to coincide with our scheduled stop at a PVP, where we were required to spend a designated period of time, usually 15 minutes minimum.

The MI station in Eschwege was one of my favorite stops. The MI's, (known as spooks in some circles) stayed in a house there in a nice residential area which looked just like any other house in town. Man, those guys had it made. They always wore civilian clothes. If one didn't know otherwise, they could have easily passed as Germans. They drove fairly nice German-made automobiles and even wore sandals with socks, as German men commonly do. The MI station was very often a scheduled stop for the North Patrol. They usually had some fresh coffee or some delicious German pastry.

Sometimes we were lucky enough to stop at one of the OP's when hot lunch or dinner was served. During those days, the North Patrol almost always spent the night at either OP India or OP Oscar, which was a good time to conduct one of those covert night-time equipment procurement operations I spoke of earlier if one of us needed a shovel or an axe, or some extra OVM straps.

My duties while assigned to 3/11th varied. While I was in I Troop, I was a scout in 2nd Platoon. The scouts crewed M114's back then but we turned in all of them in exchange for Sheridans in '74 or '75. Later, after about eight months as a driver in the Border Platoon, I returned to I Troop and was assigned to 1st Platoon. In September 1976, during Tank Gunnery training in Grafenwoehr, I was seriously injured when I was crushed between two Sheridans. I left the Army hospital in Nuernberg about a month later, still recuperating and with a physical profile, so I was assigned to Headquarters Troop, S-3 Section. From that time until I finally returned to the states, I was the Squadron Training NCO with additional duties as the Squadron draftsman. I was the guy who prepared prepared the Border Certificate and Order of the Spur for every soldier who received one or both when he departed the unit. I think I must have hand-lettered in Old English or Gothic script over a hundred or so of those big border certificates. After I left 3/11 ACR, I was assigned to 4/12th Cavalry in Fort Polk and was very happy to receive orders to return to Germany a year and a half later. When I returned to Germany I was assigned to the 3rd Squadron of the illustrious 7th Cavalry (Garry Owen!)in Schweinfurt. More border duty...more Grafenwoehr, more beer, more alerts, and some interesting ARTEPs and FTX's battling it out with the "Dueller" and his 2nd ACR.

I retired from the Army in 1994 at Fort Knox. My wife, Angelika, and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary earlier this month. We are planning to visit Germany again later this year and will probably be spending about a month there, mainly in the vicinity of Bebra, her hometown, but we'll be doing a bit of traveling as well. Some of her close relatives live elsewhere and I also intend to visit a few relatives of mine from my mother's side of my family. I just know the political discussions and debate are going to be very interesting.

I'm interested in contact with past members of the Workhouse Squadron who were assigned there between '73 and '78. It would be great to renew some old acquaintances and find an old friend or two with whom I haven't been in touch for about a quarter of a century.

Oh yeah, before I forget, my name is SFC(R)John Hampton. Anyone wishing to contact me may do so by emailing me at smilin1@bluegrass.net

Scouts Out!

Date:

4/11/2004

Comments

Hi all! Can anyone remember Tony Pruett (Corporal Anthony Vernon Pruett) of the 1953-1956 14th AC, stationed in Bad KIssingen? I recently learned that he is my biological father and would be quite excited to find out anything at all about him. Thanks a bunch in advance! cindy@cindymerritt.com

Date:

4/12/2004

Comments

hello my name is lorena and i'm 18 years old. I go to college because i want to become a border patrol.Iam mexican i was born in Mexico and i've been here all my life sense i was 5 years old. what i want to tell who receives this note that i need to becaome a U.S Citenzen, and in the news i heard that "if a person wants to become a U. S Citizen they need to sign up for the military first, because if you sign for the military your allien green card can be taken away from you when you go and qualify for the citenzenchip. And i need to know this infornmation as soon as possible so i can do it and i can be a U.S citezen. I awys wanted to be a Border Partol sense i was 12 years old. my e-mail is Mickeymouse111_@msn.com ! Thankyou !

Date:

4/13/2004

Comments

Jim Knipe 6016 Wadsworth Blvd. Apt. 303 Arvada Co. 80003

Date:

4/15/2004

Comments

Israel chinn hht2/2acr 1976-1979 living in washington state

Date:

4/20/2004

Comments

I am trying to get info. of guys who were in this co. from 1974-1977. please contact me at: jim knipe 6016-wadsworth blvd. apt. 303 arvada co. 80003 usa 720-353-1698

thank you

Date:

4/23/2004

Comments

Just wondered if this is the same Dan Zajac I knew growing up in Cheektowaga NY. I just wanted to say HI. Haven't seen you in about 25 years. Let me know.

Vinnie

sicurelv@erie.gov

Date:

5/9/2004

Comments

Ecellent page, it`s a realiti site. I was from May 86 - July 90 a german border, walking in the line in Potsdam GR 44.

Date:

5/9/2004

Comments

Ecellent page, it`s a realiti site. I was from May 86 - July 90 a german border, walking in the line in Potsdam GR 44.

Karsten Kunze ( flax )

Date:

5/9/2004

 

Comments

GREAT SITE This jogs old memories of fulda . I served under then the great JOHN D ROSENBERGER. He was my troop co. A captin at that time. I served in ALPHA TROOP 1981-1983. I can still smell the desiel . I was a proud scout REMEMBER THE DRAPER Also can;t forget FIRST SEARGENT HUTTON EDDIE MESSER } are there any old A troopers OUT THERE. PLEASE CONTACT ME;I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. BIGED@ASAP-COM.COM

ALONS FOREVER A TROOP SCOUTS ANVIL FOREVER

Date:

5/10/2004

Comments

excellent site with a lot of informations about the other site

I will refer on my linkpage

Andy www.nva-grenztruppen.de edmund_hh@yahoo.de

Date:

5/16/2004

Comments

I do miss the Regiment. 2/9/85 - 2/9/87-- 1/11th Dco (Tank Company) M1 Abrams - What a Tank !!! Dave Gendot -biggun138@hotmail.com- Border duty (lots of that) Always in the field, and a Gunnery every time I blinked; and time off for traveling round Europe. What a time! Thanks for the memories.

Date:

5/17/2004

Comments

I was stationed in post-cold war Germany, in Hohenfels to be precise. I have a rather odd question for Mr. Prescott. You look very similar to a friend of mine from my time in Hohenfels, named Jason Prescott. He had a wife named Cory. I don't know if it's the same Jason Prescott who took your photo, but he was an army photographer in my unit. I would like to contact Jason again, as our families were pretty close and we just lost touch. My email addy is moogspaceport@hotmail.com.

Tim Harris (formerly a SPC 25v, US Army)

Webmaster note: Yes, Tim, he is my son. I'm sending you information via your email.

Date:

5/20/2004

Comments

Fulda, AirTroop 11th ACR 1977-1983 JW Griffith. jwgrif@hotmail.com Great place Great time

Date:

5/23/2004

Comments

Did my time to help out our brother 19D in the Cav Regt. Mostly 1/1 Cav at Camp Pittmen and 3/2 Cav at Camp Rotz. What a great time in 79 through Dec 80. Was assigned to Scout Plt CSC 1/54th Inf Bamberg. First In , Last Out

Date:

5/23/2004

Comments

Did my time to help out our brother 19Ds in the Cav Regt. Mostly 1/1 Cav at Camp Pittmen and 3/2 Cav at Camp Rotz. What a great time in 79 through Dec 80. Was assigned to Scout Plt CSC 1/54th Inf Bamberg. First In , Last Out

Date:

6/13/2004

Comments

Hello,

My name is Mike White and I was with Mike Co, 3/11 ACR at Mc Pheeters Barracks. I humped the trace from Feb 88 to Dec 90. as a matter of fact I was there when the wall came down, it was truly a site to see.

I love this web page, it’s the first time I’ve ever went looking for anything like it.

Thanks for all the good work, and if you would like to see them I have several close up pictures of EGBS from when I was hidden in a fox hole.

Mike Whitema4@cs.com

Date:

6/14/2004

Comments

Was möchtest Du noch wissen über die Grenztruppen? Habe umfangreiches Archiv.

Gruss Hans(didier552000@yahoo.de)

Webmaster note: Thanks, Hans, for the information. Vielen Dank!

Date:

6/19/2004

Comments

Hi, Is place there still for a Story from the Eisenach - training regiment (in 1976) ? Here the link is. (German and English version - by machine translatet- ). http://www.winkmichma.de/winkewinke/lerge_breslau/schlimmegeschichten/hauptmann_engl.htm Many greetings from East Germany.

charly@winkmichma.de

Date:

6/24/2004

Comments

Great site. I was with K troop 3/2 ACR from Jan 83 until Dec 85.I patrolled the border from Camp Reed(Rotz) and Camp May. I also worked in the border and squadron operations centers. Bryan Haberman

Date:

6/29/2004

Comments

As a former 2ACR Air Cavalryman, this is a great site. The time spent on Germany (1988-late 1991) were the best times I had in the Army...

If you ain't CAV....

Sincerely,

Stuart Clark stuclark@hotmail.com

Date:

7/4/2004

Comments

Hey Ted,

thank you for your greetings in my guestbook. I visited your website an noticed, that you have a broken link in your link list. It must be called "gartenschlaeger" not "gartenschlager". And I miss www.grenzerinnerungen.de in your list. Danke und viele Grüße aus good old Germanny

Florian

Webmaster note: Florian, thanks for the reminder. The link is now added.

Date:

7/5/2004

Comments

Nice site ..I was with B Troop 2ACR from 88-91...need more pics of our sector..oo-52

Date:

7/6/2004

Comments

just looking for anybody that was in Atrp 1/11th

Date:

7/15/2004

Comments

I was in A-troop 1/11 from '84-'86. Those were some of the best (and worst) times of my life. I am trying to get in touch w/ some people I lost track of after going back home. If anyone remembers a concert that was put on at Down's Barracks by the Army called "Blackstock", let me know. I was the bass player and backup vocalist for a band called "Manuever Damage". It was like a battle of the bands thing and LTC Abrams would come down everyday and listen to us practice because we played one of his favorite songs. Anyway, if anyone remembers this or was their when I was, send me an email. I also remember a lot of the crazy things we would do to mess with the East German soldiers. It was a great but scary time. My name is Rod Henshaw and I live in Phoenix, AZ and am thinking about going to the Reunion next year if I can afford it. By the way, great site!!! Email address: rodneohall@cox.net

Date:

7/19/2004

Comments

Nils K. Hammer 1977-79 V corp, 165th MI Bn, Fulda border resident office. We worked with Sgt. Snodgrass a lot.

Funny how many US troops felt a need to tease the GRSO's with fake spy devices, I did.

Webmaster note: Nils, I think an entire book could be written on that subject! Did it myself!

Date:

7/25/2004

Comments

My name is Mark Dillman. I was with the 3/11th ACR from 1979 to 1982. I was positioned in either OP India or OP Romeo. And they ordered us back to post and I thought that was the last time we had border patrol. I thought that Ronald Reagan, as president, brought us all back. I didn't realize that you guys still did border patrol after I left. OP India and OP Romeo did have excellent food though. Workhorse.

Date:

7/29/2004

Comments

Hi everyone.....Billy Coleman here ...I served in D Company 1/11 from 86-90...some of you sound familiar. I just returned home from a Germany trip last week. I visited what was Downs Barracks, and boy has it changed. Its looks nice, and the Germans have placed a nice monument for us in front of the old Regimental HQ. Anyhow, Its nice to see and hear from old troopers. God bless you all.... IRONHORSE!!! Billy Coleman coleman@cccomm.net

Date:

8/5/2004

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fascinating site, one of the best regarding this subject

Date:

9/2/2004

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Excellent , Excellent , Excellent !!

Date:

9/19/2004

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I was stationed in a troop 1/11 ACR 78-81 This was the best times of my life and some day would like to rerturn and look up some old freinds. I miss the food and the great beer fest . I went to many of those. Don't miss the winters and going out on alerts and sleeping oin that M-88 track vehical Miss all the old Buddies. I had a German buddie named Aberhard Kruznick I believe he lived in Niter kaulback use to go stay with him and his family on the hoidays, any one know him Tim says hi. George New, Brian Land RW Dillinberg you see this give me a note RGGRTM@AOL.COM

Date:

9/19/2004

Comments

I was stationed in a troop 1/11 ACR 78-81 This was the best times of my life and some day would like to rerturn and look up some old freinds. I miss the food and the great beer fest . I went to many of those. Don't miss the winters and going out on alerts and sleeping oin that M-88 track vehical Miss all the old Buddies. I had a German buddie named Aberhard Kruznick I believe he lived in Niter kaulback use to go stay with him and his family on the hoidays, any one know him Tim says hi. George New, Brian Land RW Dillinberg you see this give me a note RGGRTM@AOL.COM

Date:

9/19/2004

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Great Sight I served in the 1/11 ACR A TRP 78-81 T. Morris Motor SGT Black horse RggRTM@aol.com

Date:

10/14/2004

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Hello Fellow Troopers!! I was with Atrp 1/11th ACR 86-91 and I'm looking for others stationed at Downs barracks during that time. I spent MORE than my share of time at OP Alpha. It's crazy to realize that the place where you spent sooooo much time in is now a museum! email me and send some pictures. I'm always looking for some new pics. Magicdj1@yahoo.com or Magicdj1@knology.net I hope everyone is doin' OK. Allons!!!

Date:

10/21/2004

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Ted, great site and outstanding work. I bet I can almost tell you the names of some of those guards. It's nice to see that someone remembers those lonely days "guarding the frontier of freedom". I'm sure the men on the otherside of that fence can finally breathe a sigh of relief and glad the wall is down too. It's hard for me to even imagine it gone.

Carper L&I Trp 3/11th ACR Bad Hersfeld Feb. 1971 to Sept 1980

Date:

11/1/2004

Time:

2:04:43 AM

Remote User:

 

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In the early 1950's the 14th was not acr it was the 14th rct regimental combat team. lets get it straight

Date:

11/3/2004

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Great site, looks like a lot of hard digging for info here. Glad I came by. Victor http://www.outdoordistributors.com 

Date:

11/7/2004

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I was also 2/2 Cav F Troop during 77-80. I remember Hop, Coberg, Graf, partying in Liechtenfelds and most of all, I member First Sargeant by the slogan over his door way:

"I May Not Be God, But God Ain't AirBorne!"

He also would beat the crap out of us on his weekend drinking rages.

Doug M1A1 Rise gunner/driver

Date:

11/12/2004

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Erase this message and you will never see it again. (<a href="http://www.ultram-ultram.com">Ultram</a>) http://www.ultram-ultram.com/index.html 14

Date:

11/16/2004

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Hey fellow old troopers. I hated the blackhorse (just jealous) I spent my time 1980-1982 with your red headed stepchild, 3/7th cav. I loved every minute of it and made some great friends and learn some realistic life lessons. The Army was never the same for me once I got back to the world. After cold nights, alerts and border traces on foot feet away from a sworn enemy the Stateside Army just didn't cut it. Every time I smell diesel fuel it takes me back to those times... Downtown couburg and as always pigtown ( sweinfurt) I am glad I spent time with some of the most dedicated service members with our own esprit decorp. being a scout myself I really felt lick I was doing my job.

Date:

11/22/2004

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Great site and thanks! My name is George Gray and was stationed with HHT 3/11 Bad Hersfeld from 72-74. I was a Remington Ranger (someone had to keep track of you guys) and company/mailroom clerk. Met alot of people and will never forget you all. Had a buddy from Wisconsin come down to see me last week we sat around sucked down a few cold ones and remembered the ol' days. I wanted to pass along a website that has cams of Bad Hersfeld (HHT, PX, and ? troop) its www.wetech.de best viewed between 7AM and 12 noon our time. any other time the pictures dark. Anyone out there from Bad H give me a holler and I'll give you a holler back. GGray71@excite.com Again thanks for the site. George WORKHORSE

Date:

11/25/2004

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Excellent site. I am hoping that it will help me surprise my husband who served in the Unit Police in Fulda, Germany from 1960-1962. He has shown a real great interest in reuniting with the men he served with. His name is Dragan Dujmovic ilse_dragan@msn.com We had no idea that there had been Fulda reunions. We visit Fulda often as I am from there myself and have my family there. I hope there will be someone out there that could be of some help. Otherwise perhaps someone has any other links or ways to search for individuals that served at that time in that place. Thanks

Date:

12/1/2004

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Excellent site! I am West German (born 1970) and saw the Wall and the Iron Curtain stand and come down. And it needed the internet and finding this page to detect information I didn't know about the Border. I am very interested in Europe's and Germany's latest history, so this is a great place to browse and think of the inhumanity of the Wall. Good it's over with!

Gregor Jacobs

Date:

12/11/2004

 

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My Story http://www.rhebs.de/mauer/gr35-1.htm Richard

Webmaster note: Richard, Thanks for dropping in. I still refer to your site often. Richard was a border guard in Berlin.

Date:

12/14/2004

Comments

nice, job ted. my name is john durning i served with the 3rd/14th. L troop from 68-69 went to nam came back to same in 70 stayed a few more months than back to nam, any way would like to hear from anyone one who tiped a beer or 2 at the hole in the wall in bad hersfeld and rembers ,BIG JUDY.she either,worked there or she owned the place but just like to hear from any of you guys who served there,thanks ted, slaphappy511@msn.com

Date:

12/11/2004

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Great, nice to see this and relive the border. I was with the Blackhorse from 1982-1989. I have a great love for the Blackhorse and the days in HHT 2/11th ACR. We had a lot of good and bad times in that place. Thanks again and take care. (SGT) John A. Smith, HHT 2/11th ACR, ALLONS

Also in the comments, was a comment from Adam Summers, Maybe CPT Tom Summers son, if so tell your dad I said Hi, I worked with him in the orderly Room. john.smith@ottobockus.com

Thanks again

Webmaster note: Yes, Adam was one of the army brats running around BK. He's a lot bigger now, and according to his parents, doing well.

Date:

1/02/2005

Comments

WHAT'S UP IN BAD HERSFELD WITH THE 3rd HERD. I JUST FOUND GRENZER.COM AND FOUND ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS ON IT. I WROTE HIM AN EMAIL AND HOPE HE GETS IT. I WAS WITH HHT, 3/11 from OCT 74 - SEPT 78. WORKED IN THE ORDERLY ROOM WITH 1SG DELAROSA, SP5 TINSLEY AT THE TIME. AFTER 1SG RETIRED I WENT TO SQUADRON S-3 DRIVING FOR MAJ ESPOSITO AND DRUMLEY (THE DOG). BROKE MY LEF IN A CAR WRECK AND BECAME THE CLERK.

YOU HAD MSG WELLS, SFC RYCEK, SFC ROBERTS, SP GRAVES, SP CALDERONE, SP DEVORE, SP BENAVEDEZ, SP DAVIDSON, MSG PLATT, SSG SWANSON, CPT GLASS, SGT SMITH, SGT HAMPTON, CPT GORDON, MAJ BARNHILL, AND MYSELF. THESE ARE SOME OF THE ONES THAT WERE THERE WHEN I DEPARTED. IF ANY OF YOU GUYS ARE STILL AROUND HOW ABOUT GIVING ME AN EMAIL AT buschbaby@earthlink.net OR CALL ME AT 864-227-2152 WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY OF YOU AND SOME OF THE ONES THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER RIGHT NOW. EDDIE DORN

Bertha Terry

Date:

1/05/2005

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I was stationed in Bad Hersfeld from 82 to 85 .I was Lima troop's medic and also walked the Trace with k troop. I even saved a few lives while i was over there. Any one that wishes to talk about the OP email me at _iarmymedic@aol.com_
(mailto:iarmymedic@aol.com)
Ron "Doc Speight "Speight

Date:

1/05/2005

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I am so sorry I forgot thank you for such a great site and when my children ask me what was the Cold War i now have a place that they can see the sacrifice  of the Workhorse soldiers.

Ron "Doc Speight "Speight

Date:

1/23/2005

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To all of the Soldiers of the Cold WAR, I would like to say we did a "hellava" job while we were over there in Germany. Some of us come from "warm" climates such as California, where I am from. I remember pulling rear Security, when you could not see two inches in front of you, with
out those night vision goggles. This is for one of the other writers, yes I do remember the 1st (SGT) Howard K Bullard better known as the (BULL) he had another sign posted above his door, it stated that if you desire to fight someone don't hesitate to call me.

My name is Keith Britton (SPEC- 4 Britton) 4/2 Mortar Platoon. Fox Troop
2/2 ACR 1979-1981.

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Date:

1/26/2005

Comments

Since days I'm looking in the internet for sites about my former troops, the border troops of the NVA.

So I have found your site too and it is difficult to read because English is not my native language. I think, many of my comrades will have the same problem and that will be the reason, because only some has written in your guest book.

I was on the Berlin Wall from 1969 in the autumn till 1971 in the spring, the first half year in the GAR 39 in Berlin - Wilhelmshagen, later in the Border Regiment 37 in Berlin - Johannisthal and than finally in the Border Regiment GR 35 in Berlin - Rummelsburg.

One year directly on the Wall. I have had stories with the Berlin Brigade - there was patrols with a jeep and 4 GI's, there was a radar- station opposite of a border tower and we could listen without any break AFN. One time I have seen, that a patrol has take a plough behind the jeep and starts to work on a acre for fun. We has said, that the GI's was like big children.

My biggest story was, as a Jeep on the Teltow Channel was coming from left, 4 soldiers and in the middle the heavy machine gun. Than they was stopping and go out of the jeep, set their helms on the heads, go down behind the jeep and observe our tower. We was looking back and nervous. Than one soldier opens a box on the jeep, take a cartridge belt out of the box and into the machine gun. That was the sign for us to leave our tower, in case that he would shout, the tower would be break down. We take our helms, weapons and want going down, as we could see, that he take the belt out of the machine gun, all GI's was laughing and winking and the helms was away from the heads, they has had big joke. Even big children. We has made a report, "Berlin Brigade, 4 people, from left to right, one jeep signed... with stop and with action." Than we have known, this demonstration they has made also on the tower left from us and on the next too. There  was no danger for the American soldiers, it was forbidden to shout in such situations.

We was looking with different emotions on American soldiers, the equipment was interesting, when we meet soldiers in East Berlin, they has had a better uniform, their duty on the border was much easier like us.


If you should need information about the Berlin border in the time from 1970/1971, inner circle only, may be I can help.

Thank you for such site and the correctness.


Charly

Date:

1/30/2005

Comments

To all of the Soldiers of the Cold WAR, I would like to say we did a "hellava" job while we were over there in Germany. Some of us come from "warm" climates such as California, where I am from. I remember pulling rear Security, when you could not see two inches in front of you, with
out those night vision goggles. This is for one of the other writers, yes I do remember the 1st (SGT) Howard K Bullard better known as the (BULL) he had another sign posted above his door, it stated that if you desire to fight someone don't hesitate to call me.


My name is Keith Britton (SPEC- 4 Britton) 4/2 Mortar Platoon. Fox Troop
2/2 ACR 1979-1981.

Date:

2/21/2005

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Date:

2/22/2005

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Date:

3/20/2005

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Date:

4/5/2005

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Came across your website while searching for any old pictures that might be available of the Downs Barracks and Fulda area.  I was a member of Company A,14th ARC from February 1956 until my departure for the States in February 1960.I found it interesting reading and could visualize the places a lot of them were referring to in the their comments.  I have an interesting four years with the 14th.  Retired in August of 1974 with 23 years, 2 months and 16 days of
continuous service.  If you want to contact me, I am at:  Simmonsjess@aol.com
I am a member of the 14th ARC Association M/Sgt Jesse F. Simmons, Jr., US Army, Retired

 

 

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Date:

4/13/2005

Comments

Very nicely done!  Made my feet hurt, just remembering walking the border and humping Capt. B. Bell's radio from daylight till dark.  I loved the great chopper rides out there and back though. 

The iron curtain was about the saddest thing I ever saw.  Seeing the fine four lane highways end at the border.  The little children playing on one side of their street, but not allowed to cross the painted mark and play on the other side.  The German people's beautiful country cut in half.  The people on the eastern side not allowed to speak, wave, or even look at the people on the western side.  Very sad indeed. 

I'm very glad that Germany is reunited today and that the children of today need not fear the horrid, unthinkable things, that we once feared as children growing up.  Dreadful things like "Mutual Assured Destruction"(MAD), "Cold Wars" and "Iron Curtains". 

I'm glad we helped give peace another chance, by keeping the peace on the border.

R. Ratliff Hq Troop 3/14 ACR 70-71