Joe:

I will contact Dennis right now and let him know. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to look into it and share what he knows. Let me know when you hear from him.

Interesting how you and Russ met. So many vets have made new friends or been reunited through the internet. It is a GREAT tool!

Joe:

I sent you Dennis' email address yesterday. Let me know what transpires.

Thanks so much for sharing Russ' history. We look forward to hearing from him and from you.

Berchtesgaden, the Berghof and the Eagles Nest.

As a "newbe", I have been reading some of the old posts on this site.

Both J3rdInf and I were at the Berghof on May 4, 1945. Rather than repeat the old news, let me tell you this! I was in 7th Inf Hq Co. at that time and was on the inside, so to speak. Our 3rd Div C.O., General Iron Mike O'Daniel, knew that the last prize of the War was in the French Army Zone of advance. But he ordered the 7th Infantry, 3rd Divisionn to send out strong patrols to take the only two bridges across the Saalach River and set up strong road blocks to let no one outside the 3rd Inf Div. to pass! The patrols were led by a couple of Lt. Colonels and included anti-tank guns.

When the French arrived at the bridges, they were denied passage, despite demands by General Le Clerc himself. After the 7th Infanty was firmly establishedatthe Berghof and the Eagles Nest, and held an American flag raising ceremony, the French allowed to cross the bridges. They looted the town of Berchtesgaden and tried to enter the Berghofarea but were not allowed entrance. A day or so later, the American 101st AB Division arrived and they too were not allowed in. Itwas part of their assigned post war occupation zone and they came in as we left for Salzburg, Austria.

I have several photos taken at the time, but I can't handle the frustration of trying to post them.

Russ Cloer - IstLt, 7th Inf, 3rd Inf. Div.

Gee, Lieutenant, I wish there were something I could do to help you! There must be somebody in your neck of the woods who could sit with you for a spell and work with you. We have enjoyed looking at what you've posted so far!

Marilyn

Hey Russ, if you want, you can send the photos to me as email attachments, and I'll be more than glad to post them for you. I frequently help out Papa Art and several others too. I understand your frustration.