Ron: Very interesting web site. Many thanks. Some of the pic bring back old and good

memories. May 4 '45 was a very interesting day. FYI Our lead company of the 3td Bn.

7th Inf Reg/3rd ID was L Company, commanded by Lt. Sherm Pratt . We still correspond by E mail. Both myself and Recon well remember this day as it meant the

wars end in ETO. I am quite surprised the author showed the 3rd capturing Berchtesgaden on the 4th and the 101 entering on May 5 , even though it was true..

I am quite surprised the author showed the 3rd capturing Berchtesgaden on the 4th and the 101 entering on May 5 , even though it was true..

As was I. That was part of the reason I posted the link as he had it correct chronologically, don't see that too often these days. The pictures were pretty cool as well.

Again to you and Russ, I can't adequately express my gratitude in writing for what you all did. I was born in 1964, long after the conflict was done and over but I can't get past what you all gave up to go and fight. Words of thanks will never be enough to cover the debt we owe you. Glad you enjoyed the link

Ron

Ron: Many thanks again. You wouldnt believe the utter chasos this brought to Berchtesgaden on May 5th. We had so damn many "tourist troops", French, 101 A.B.

and just plain troops that came out of the woodwork arrive for looting, pretige, and God knows what one couldnt believe it. Thank God we were "ordered out" on May 6th.. Quite a real bit of "thanks guys" ?? But we went to towns nearby and were glad the war was over, here in ETO.

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

Ron Nash: Having a "selective memory" in most cases of the bad times which I try to keep hidden and so far have pretty well done so, my recall is about the "mundane" things I remember, also yes, the unusual and humereous in a way. Believe me, the "humereous", were also there at times. Anything I can add for you, so not to bore the others, you wish to know you can write me directly at j3rdinf@comcast.net and will answer you as best as I remember. Actually, not counting close combat, most of the time, existing, food, waiting, and shelter were the most important other things..

Joe, I just wnated to thank you for such a warm invitation and one that I will be taking you up on very soon. The things you remember are the very things I was talking about. Talk to you soon and thanks agian.

Ron

Gentlemen, in case you haven't seen the post regarding The Biggest Brother, please read this:

http://208.56.11.96/Invision/index.php?showtopic=1519

Too cool. Thanks to Wilbur Dickens, member of the 540th Combat Engineers, I just found out that the guys got to visit Berchestgaden the first week of June '45. Wilbur sent photos of he and the guys. What a treat. I never knew they were there.

Hi Joe,3rdinf. Just read your posts. Right on the button buddy!

Why do I know? You all were on our left flank, (ITALY), Tell em

like it wuz. Your dogface buddy (34th I.D.) rjr

Hey Rocky Racoon! (Gee all these nicknames!)

Man this sure does stir up a lot of controversy. I was talking to a brother of a WWII vet a few months ago and the man got down right pissed about the article. He said to me, my brother is not a liar and he...

I'm like, whoa dude! I am not calling your brother a liar, but the truth is truth. Ouch! Guess what? The guy didn't speak to me again. That's his loss!

Roque old buddy. many thanks. I was hoping this topic would die on the vine. Seems

like to many B.O.B. movie watchers dont give up. If Ike AND the Commander of the 101 A.B. at that time agree with this fact, what in hell is the problem?? " In his book, "Crusade in Europe", on page 418, Gen Ike wrote, "On May 4th....the Third Division captured Berchtesgaden," In General Maxwell Taylor’s memoir "Swords and Plowshares", wrote, in part, on page 106, "On May 4th the Division (Taylor’s 101st Airborne) received an order to move on Berchtesgaden....unfortunately a bridge was destroyed on our side of the autobahn so that the 3rd Division got to Berchtesgaden ahead of us on the after-noon of May 4th." Can more be said on the subjec t? I know, the truth seems to hurt some.

ROCKY RACOON!!!!!! DAMN!! I HADN'T HEARD THAT SINCE '44,AND '45!!

Lady you're A OK. Rocky J. Squirrel, that's another one. Hasta luego,

querida amiga. Rocky?

Damn it to hell, just when I thought all was laid to rest on Berchtesgaden I get a letter

from the 3rd Inf. Div Historic Society.::: Gentlemen,

Richard Winters, former CO of Easy Company 506th PIR, of Band of Brothers fame, has written a new book. In it he still disputes the capture of Berchtesgarden by the 7th. After consulting with Sherm Pratt we decided to answer him with the attached letter.

ROCK OF THE MARNE,

Mike

I dont really know if the "Band of Brothers" movie brought this on or what, once again.

I have the complete letter to Mr. W inters from the Society of the 3rd Inf Div. but will

not post it unless requested. Seems to me that times and dates and facts are history,

as proven finally.. Seems to me that once again, if it wasnt done by Airborne, special

Forces, Rangers, or the likes it wasnt done. And no one else could do it but them.

Kinda wonder just why it was the 3rd Inf put up the flag on May 5 '45.

I found a site with photographs very interesting !!

http://www.thirdreichruins.com/kehlsteinhaus.htm

Vee

Dear Vee:

A great site for BEFORE and AFTER photos. You seem very good at finding those!