I can’t imagine all the thoughts and emotions that were going through your head as you advanced through Germany. I’ve always wanted to sit down with a veteran and just talk, no real agenda just talk. I don’t think you can get a real feel for what was going on if you bring a questionnaire with you and start there. I’m more interested in the mundane everyday things like what did you do while you were there? Where you free to roam the city at your leisure? How much time did you spend getting set up only to leave the next day? I’m sure the time spent in Berchestegarden wasn’t spent entirely on securing the population. What did it feel like to be in the absolute ground zero for the Nazi party and know that you had kicked their ass? Was the populace relieved that it was over or did they still want to fight? This is such a small part of the great history of WWII but we could talk all day about it.
There are a million questions that roll through my mind when I think about this stuff but then when I go to put it down on paper my mind goes blank. I could go on all day about this stuff but I realize that many vets are just as happy not to discuss the matter and that must be respected. The few that are still around and willing to share these memories are cherished treasures to me and most that frequent boards such as these. I apologize for rambling on, guess I get caught up in the discussion sometimes. Again, Joe, Russ and all the other vets on this site that share their histories with us, thank you so much. And Marion thanks for making it all possible.
Ron