Posted by Allen Wanderlich on May 8, 2006, 5:59 pm Celebrations in New York City. The surrender of Germany, the end of hostilities in Europe. We were on the banks of the Elbe River less then 20 miles from Berlin. American history in the ETO has many elements of sacrifice at home, battles on land, on the sea and in the air. There is a German history, British history and histories of other nations. History that has been revised, re-written in books and what is taught in schools. Hollywood fiction with narratives merged with selected photos and survivor interviews.. Death and destruction, people of various ethnic groups subjected to terrible existence.. Forced labor camps, POW camps and misery that ended when American soldiers arrived. Civilian non-Germans, were displaced persons (DP’s). Ending the war, peace for millions of people of each nation with hope. On that day we had a future, relief from fear. We should honor all the Americans who lost their future in battle. Crosses next to names on rosters of the 84th Infantry Division . My platoon Sgt. killed the day we crossed the Roer River, Our CO killed after we crossed the Weser River. Attacks and battles to reach the Elbe River. Our faded memories, Draper’s book a sketch of Railsplitters events and Howerton’s book, from notes, that reflects activities of Co. K, 335th Inf. Regt. “Lest we forget”…Our day forgotten! History begins and ends My thoughts should remind, the future we changed. Not to give up being American…Is our example. VE-Day is the proof! Allen Wanderlich, Pfc. 4th platoon
Message modified by board administrator May 11, 2006, 10:59 am
Subject: Victory in Europe - VE-Day - May 8, 1945
D-Day invasion of France was not to liberate the French. Americans were not in battles to liberate but to attack and defeat enemy forces. American combat divisions with a single objective. The Invasion of Germany was not to liberate the people but to conquer the Master Race and the German nation.
My Polish accent, my name to buddies: “Pollack”
No offense, bias, insult or anger in our slang.
Yankee or Rebel had an inference.
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