The BerlinBrigade.com Book of the Month for January 2013 is Voices Under Berlin: The Tale Of A Monterey Mary by T.H.E. Hill.
This is a great story that will give you a fictionalized and unique insider's view of how things may have happened in 1955 Berlin's Spy Tunnel. While it may be hard to imagine how things such as this were going on beneath the feet of the citizens of Berlin but it was the Cold War after all.
From Amazon.com: Dr. Wesley Britton, author of "Spy Television", "Beyond Bond: Spies in Fiction and Film", and "Onscreen and Undercover: The Ultimate Book of Movie Espionage", writing at SpyWise.net writes "Throughout the Cold War, the divided city of Berlin was the epicenter of spy films and literature, especially in the hands of masters like John Le Carré and Len Deighton. For decades, we saw and read about Western agents sneaking in and Eastern defectors sneaking out of East Berlin--over, under, and through the most iconic symbol of the times--the Berlin Wall.
But T.H.E. Hill's new 2008 "Voices Under Berlin: The Tale of a Monterey Mary" has nothing to do with such spy vs. spy duels in Germany. Instead, his subject is the long-neglected Berlin Tunnel of the 1950s and the cryptographers, linguists, and analysts sifting through intercepted intelligence from East Germany to the masters in Moscow. Better--Voices Under Berlin is, in fact, perhaps the funniest spy book ever written. It's not a parody or satire of the 007 mythos nor is it a continuation of themes in the novels by the likes of Graham Greene or Eric Ambler poking fun at the ineptitude of clandestine services. Still, in the tradition of Greene and Ambler, Voices Under Berlin contains many literate qualities that make it a work of special consideration, worthy of an audience much broader than that of espionage enthusiasts or those interested in Cold War history."
You can order your copy of Voices Under Berlin by T.H.E. Hill:
25 December 2012
22 December 2012
NUTS!
I was so gently reminded this morning that not only is today the 22nd day of December but it is also December 22, 2012 which is exactly 68 years from December 22, 1944.
What's so special about December 22, 1944 and what do NUTS have to do with it?
Well, that is the day that an event of epic proportions took place and the word "Nuts" played a huge role.
Let me take you back in time a bit.
Fresh off the heels of the Allied invasion of Europe just a mere six months earlier, then past fighting along the French hedgerows and then the Liberation of Paris. It seemed that US and Allied Forces were going to hit Berlin faster than anyone imagined. That is until they entered the BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) region of Europe then things started to slow down. The German forces started to feel that their backs were to the wall and they were not prepared to let any foreign invaders enter their country. So they "amped" up operations and really tried to put it to the ALLIES.
It was not until the winter started to settle in. Trust me folks, if you have never experienced a winter in Europe you really would not begin to understand just how much of a game changer the weather is, but I digress (only a little).
OK, so the US Forces are making their way to the small but critical crossroads right in the middle of a town in southeastern Belgium; Bastogne. They were somewhat rather swiftly encircled by fast moving German forces that were intent on cutting off the supply lines of the Allied Forces, in what they hoped would turn the tide of the war in favor of the German Forces.
So the two forces met at Bastogne with the German Forces taking the upperhand and surround the US Forces. It was late December and as I mentioned the weather was not cooperating making air drops almost impossible. Thus as the ensuing battle raged ammo, food, medicine and cool weather gear were running out or non-existent. Nothing demoralizes the fighting man more than lack of bullets, beans, and band aids.
By the 22nd of December the US Forces were starting to think that everything was lost as they were surrounded by the enemy, supplies were running out, and their leaders had forgotten about them, until. Until under a white flag a small contingent of German Soldiers (two officers and two enlisted) the following ultimatum to Gen. McAuliffe:
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.
All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
The German Commander.
The response by General Anthony McAuliffe had to be something that not only seemed rational, considering the situation but also fair to all the men under his command. Thus his response was simple and to the point:
Once word of Gen. McAuliffe's response to the Germans got out the morale of each and every soldier shot up. Those the situation was hopeless that one word changed the outcome of the war. It offered enough motivation to each soldier to hold on just a little bit longer. The weather finally cleared up a few days later and air drops of supplies were accomplished. That along with reinforcements from Patton's 3rd Army arrived to help break the siege of Bastogne and return the allied advancement towards Berlin. About five months later, the war in Europe comes to an end.
As we approach Christmas 2012, please take a moment to remember the men and women that have served and are serving in defense of our nation. As you are at home warm and cosy getting ready to enjoy your Christmas and New Years, be grateful that men like those that were in Bastogne 68 years ago who sacrificed so much that we may be here today.
Merry Christmas! and NUTS!!!
What's so special about December 22, 1944 and what do NUTS have to do with it?
Well, that is the day that an event of epic proportions took place and the word "Nuts" played a huge role.
Let me take you back in time a bit.
Fresh off the heels of the Allied invasion of Europe just a mere six months earlier, then past fighting along the French hedgerows and then the Liberation of Paris. It seemed that US and Allied Forces were going to hit Berlin faster than anyone imagined. That is until they entered the BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) region of Europe then things started to slow down. The German forces started to feel that their backs were to the wall and they were not prepared to let any foreign invaders enter their country. So they "amped" up operations and really tried to put it to the ALLIES.
It was not until the winter started to settle in. Trust me folks, if you have never experienced a winter in Europe you really would not begin to understand just how much of a game changer the weather is, but I digress (only a little).
OK, so the US Forces are making their way to the small but critical crossroads right in the middle of a town in southeastern Belgium; Bastogne. They were somewhat rather swiftly encircled by fast moving German forces that were intent on cutting off the supply lines of the Allied Forces, in what they hoped would turn the tide of the war in favor of the German Forces.
So the two forces met at Bastogne with the German Forces taking the upperhand and surround the US Forces. It was late December and as I mentioned the weather was not cooperating making air drops almost impossible. Thus as the ensuing battle raged ammo, food, medicine and cool weather gear were running out or non-existent. Nothing demoralizes the fighting man more than lack of bullets, beans, and band aids.
By the 22nd of December the US Forces were starting to think that everything was lost as they were surrounded by the enemy, supplies were running out, and their leaders had forgotten about them, until. Until under a white flag a small contingent of German Soldiers (two officers and two enlisted) the following ultimatum to Gen. McAuliffe:
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.
All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
The German Commander.
The response by General Anthony McAuliffe had to be something that not only seemed rational, considering the situation but also fair to all the men under his command. Thus his response was simple and to the point:
Once word of Gen. McAuliffe's response to the Germans got out the morale of each and every soldier shot up. Those the situation was hopeless that one word changed the outcome of the war. It offered enough motivation to each soldier to hold on just a little bit longer. The weather finally cleared up a few days later and air drops of supplies were accomplished. That along with reinforcements from Patton's 3rd Army arrived to help break the siege of Bastogne and return the allied advancement towards Berlin. About five months later, the war in Europe comes to an end.
As we approach Christmas 2012, please take a moment to remember the men and women that have served and are serving in defense of our nation. As you are at home warm and cosy getting ready to enjoy your Christmas and New Years, be grateful that men like those that were in Bastogne 68 years ago who sacrificed so much that we may be here today.
Merry Christmas! and NUTS!!!
25 November 2012
Nov/Dec 2012 Book of the Month: C Trick by Donald M. Cooper
The November - December 2012 Book of the Month is by former member of the Berlin Brigade Donald M. Cooper: C TRICK.
His entry into the literary world is the book "C Trick" which has be considered as THE Cold War "memoir for the common man."
C TRICK reads sort of as a glimpse into life during a wartime military (Vietnam) and "[b]efore the all-volunteer Army, there was the draft. This meant that most young American men had to decide how they were going to meet their military obligation. As the Cold War dragged on and the Vietnam War heated up, how a person met this obligation assumed critical importance. The choices were stark. If you were in college, you were safe. If not, you could wait to be drafted with the understanding that you could be sent to Vietnam as a combat soldier, or you could volunteer for an assignment that offered the chance of avoiding infantry combat in a rice paddy. Volunteering, however, also had a price. You would serve for a longer time, often in a foreign country far away from friends and family. "C Trick" tells the story of some of those who volunteered. The book is a tale that describes how one group of young citizen-soldiers met their military obligation during the last half of the Sixties. The book describes what it was like to be a soldier in a special Army unit stationed in what may have been the most important Cold War hot spot. Using prose from the era, the book captures all the humor and frustration experienced by young men coping with the rigors of military life. The reader will experience the frustration of these men when they were expected to perform difficult technical work in an important national security facility while also dealing with military absurdities. This book captures all the details of how these soldiers worked, played and tried to avoid military life while serving in the Army. It is a very refreshing account of how Cold War soldiers spent their time while their lives were on hold." (Amazon.com Book Description).
You can order your copy of C TRICK by Donald M. Cooper:
His entry into the literary world is the book "C Trick" which has be considered as THE Cold War "memoir for the common man."
C TRICK reads sort of as a glimpse into life during a wartime military (Vietnam) and "[b]efore the all-volunteer Army, there was the draft. This meant that most young American men had to decide how they were going to meet their military obligation. As the Cold War dragged on and the Vietnam War heated up, how a person met this obligation assumed critical importance. The choices were stark. If you were in college, you were safe. If not, you could wait to be drafted with the understanding that you could be sent to Vietnam as a combat soldier, or you could volunteer for an assignment that offered the chance of avoiding infantry combat in a rice paddy. Volunteering, however, also had a price. You would serve for a longer time, often in a foreign country far away from friends and family. "C Trick" tells the story of some of those who volunteered. The book is a tale that describes how one group of young citizen-soldiers met their military obligation during the last half of the Sixties. The book describes what it was like to be a soldier in a special Army unit stationed in what may have been the most important Cold War hot spot. Using prose from the era, the book captures all the humor and frustration experienced by young men coping with the rigors of military life. The reader will experience the frustration of these men when they were expected to perform difficult technical work in an important national security facility while also dealing with military absurdities. This book captures all the details of how these soldiers worked, played and tried to avoid military life while serving in the Army. It is a very refreshing account of how Cold War soldiers spent their time while their lives were on hold." (Amazon.com Book Description).
You can order your copy of C TRICK by Donald M. Cooper:
24 November 2012
Congrats to New York Times Best Selling Author Rebecca Cantrell
BerlinBrigade.com wants to extend the most Heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS we can collectively muster to our good friend Rebecca Cantrell (www.RebeccaCantrell.com) who recently became a New York Times Bestselling Author. Rebecca joins that prestigious list of authors for the work that she along with James Rollins (another NYTimes Bestselling Author) did in writing the novel "City of Screams" (Kindle edition).
"City of Screams" is a story set in the "highlands of Afghanistan, amid the ruins of Shahr-e-Gholghol, an archaeology team is massacred in the night. Sergeant Jordan Stone and his crack forensic team are called in to examine the site, to hunt for the perpetrators of this horrific act. But the discovery of a survivor—a child of ten—will shatter all the team knows about life and death. Among the crumbling bones of dead kings, something hoary and murderous stirs out of the ancient past, lurching forward to claim vengeance on those still living."
You can order your copy for the Kindle:
Also, did you know in Episode 30 of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast I interviewed the author of the Hannah Vogel series of books; Rebecca Cantrell? That's right!
Rebecca Cantrell was interviewed in April of 2011 which was right around the time that her second book, "A Night of Long Knives", was being published.
I invite you to listen to the that interview on the EPISODE 30 page by clicking here. Once the page scroll down to the INTERVIEW ONLY player and you can here the wonderful conversation that I was fortunate enough to have with Rebecca Cantrell.
CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA!!!!
"City of Screams" is a story set in the "highlands of Afghanistan, amid the ruins of Shahr-e-Gholghol, an archaeology team is massacred in the night. Sergeant Jordan Stone and his crack forensic team are called in to examine the site, to hunt for the perpetrators of this horrific act. But the discovery of a survivor—a child of ten—will shatter all the team knows about life and death. Among the crumbling bones of dead kings, something hoary and murderous stirs out of the ancient past, lurching forward to claim vengeance on those still living."
You can order your copy for the Kindle:
Also, did you know in Episode 30 of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast I interviewed the author of the Hannah Vogel series of books; Rebecca Cantrell? That's right!
Rebecca Cantrell was interviewed in April of 2011 which was right around the time that her second book, "A Night of Long Knives", was being published.
I invite you to listen to the that interview on the EPISODE 30 page by clicking here. Once the page scroll down to the INTERVIEW ONLY player and you can here the wonderful conversation that I was fortunate enough to have with Rebecca Cantrell.
CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA!!!!
09 November 2012
It Was 23 Years Ago Today (November 9, 1989)
23 years ago on this day the world came to a sudden halt. So very few times in World History has one event been able to stop everything and make the world pay attention. November 9, 1989 is that day. The Fall of the Berlin Wall was the "astonishing event" that change the world.
I recorded a small video message to on the occasion of the 23rd Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
Congratulations to Germany and the World!
07 November 2012
October/November 2012 Book of the Month: Battleground Berlin: CIA vs. KGB in the Cold War
Battleground Berlin: CIA vs. KGB in the Cold War takes you behind the scenes of Spy vs. Spy life in East and West Berlin from just after the end of the Second World War to the construction of the notorious/infamous Berlin Wall.
If all you know about the spy-craft and the Cold War is what you have seen in the movies or on some History Channel special, well you have another thing coming with Battleground Berlin. This book brings to you some of the characters that played the game of move and counter-move during some of the most OVERT and COVERT events of the epicenter of the Cold War: Berlin.
On the surface this 556 page hardcover is not light reading but for anyone interested in getting an insider's look to the CIA's and KGB's operations in Berlin then this book is one you cannot pass up. You can order your copy of Battleground Berlin from Amazon.com.
30 September 2012
September/October 2012 Book of the Month: Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon
Istanbul Passage begins just after World War II comes to an end and set as the title so aptly suggests in Istanbul, Turkey. As the crossroad from Europe to Asia, Istanbul continues to be a critical channel to those escaping war torn Europe and those wanting to get to Geo-political land rush that post war Europe has found itself in. At the center of the story is an Expatriate American, Leon Bauer, who was doing his part for the war effort but now that's over finds himself quickly back into the middle of a life he thought had come to an end. In Istanbul Passage, the realization that in some places of the world wars will continue to rage on becomes crystal clear very early on in the story. In this case, the Cold War is just starting to heat up. This book will leave you wanting more and when it ends you'll wish it didn't.
If you have never been to Istanbul then you are in for a treat because Kanon paints the city with such vivid detail you can almost taste the coffee and smell the cigarette smoke as you turn the pages. You might even be tempted to stop at one of the stalls of the bazaars to purchase a souvenir of your visit to Istanbul.
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, I invite you to enjoy the Fall evenings with this wonderfully entertaining book by the author who brought us The Good German, Joseph Kanon. You can order your copy of Istanbul Passage over at Amazon.com.
Enjoy!
Visit the Joseph Kanon website: http://josephkanon.com/
Enjoy all the other great novels by Joseph Kanon
28 August 2012
About A Cold War Museum am Checkpoint Charlie
On the Deutsche Welle website an article titled “East-Westdivide remains at Checkpoint Charlie” (08.08.12) by Melanie
Sevcenko. The article dealt with the attempt to create a new museum near the
area that was Checkpoint Charlie at the intersection of Friedrichstrasse and
Zimmerstrasse in Berlin. The new museum would be called the Cold War Museum.
The interesting thing about the museum is that it would
reflect the Cold War from both sides of the Berlin Wall. It seems that there is
not enough to address that the game that was played for over 40 years since the
end of World War II by the two sides. This
is an interesting concept that I for one would like to see become a reality. As
a US Soldier during the Cold War, I would like to know what my counterparts
were doing because from what we were told they certainly knew what we were
doing. However, very little info ever made it back to the line
troops on the day-to-day life of a Soviet or East German or Warsaw Pact soldier.
I am more than certain someone knew. So it would be interesting to see what
they had to deal with and how they dealt with it.
So from a selfish point of view a Cold War
Museum is a great idea. Then again, what about those that were oppressed by the
Soviets and their puppet regimes? Do they want to be reminded of those dark
days when neighbors spied on neighbors or worse still when family member spied
on family member? Is that a memory that
anyone wants to relive? It remains a very harsh reality for many, I know of one
individual, personally, that is still haunted by the actions of the former DDR.
I hope that this dilemma does not become the start of another Cold War. Then again, wars have started over lesser things than this. It will be interesting to see how it all plays itself out.
I hope that this dilemma does not become the start of another Cold War. Then again, wars have started over lesser things than this. It will be interesting to see how it all plays itself out.
18 August 2012
A City of Broken Glass / BerlinBrigade.com Book of the Month
The BerlinBrigade.com Book of the Month for August/September 2012
A CITY OF BROKEN GLASS
by Rebecca Cantrell
Rebecca Cantrell has done it again. This time she delivers her fourth book in the Hannah Vogel series: "A City Of Broken Glass"
In this book, we find ourselves traveling with Hannah Vogel to Poland just as things start getting very interesting, not just for Poland and Germany but for all of Europe, as rumblings of the start of the Second World War are starting to see the light of day. As a reporter, Hannah is traveling to Poland to cover a festival, the Feast of St. Martin, when she is made aware that thousands upon thousands of Polish Jews are being deported out of Germany. Now here is where things start to get interesting, because if you have read any of the Hannah Vogel books, you know that Hannah cannot help herself and has to dive into the deep end head first. If this is your first Rebecca Cantrell work, then let me the first to introduce you to Hannah Vogel. Hold on tightly because with "A City of Broken Glass" you are in for one heck of a ride.
"A City of Broken Glass" is loaded with action, intrigue, a very real dose of human characters and humanity, all of which is set in a world that is quickly spinning out of control and into the inevitable bloodshed that was World War II. Before I get any further, I will leave it here but I know Rebecca Cantrell won't leave it here, there is still plenty more to come from Cantrell and Hannah Vogel. So be on the look out for future adventures with Hannah. If this is your first venture into the Hannah Vogel series be sure to check out the previous books in the series: "A Trace of Smoke", "A Night of Long Knives" and "A Game of Lies"
If you are looking for a Late Summer or Early Fall read then Rebecca Cantrell's latest installment is for you. "A City of Broken Glass" will keep you turning page after page. If you are looking for a good mystery, high speed thriller, something that will not only keep you interested but have you rooting for Hannah Vogel, all the way to the end, then "A City of Broken Glass" is for you.
If you haven't already, you can own your copy of "A City of Broken Glass" by purchasing it online from Amazon.com (see below) or stop by your local bookstore.
Enjoy!
Visit the Rebecca Cantrell website: http://www.rebeccacantrell.com
The Hannah Vogel series by Rebecca Cantrell
A CITY OF BROKEN GLASS
by Rebecca Cantrell
Rebecca Cantrell has done it again. This time she delivers her fourth book in the Hannah Vogel series: "A City Of Broken Glass"
In this book, we find ourselves traveling with Hannah Vogel to Poland just as things start getting very interesting, not just for Poland and Germany but for all of Europe, as rumblings of the start of the Second World War are starting to see the light of day. As a reporter, Hannah is traveling to Poland to cover a festival, the Feast of St. Martin, when she is made aware that thousands upon thousands of Polish Jews are being deported out of Germany. Now here is where things start to get interesting, because if you have read any of the Hannah Vogel books, you know that Hannah cannot help herself and has to dive into the deep end head first. If this is your first Rebecca Cantrell work, then let me the first to introduce you to Hannah Vogel. Hold on tightly because with "A City of Broken Glass" you are in for one heck of a ride.
"A City of Broken Glass" is loaded with action, intrigue, a very real dose of human characters and humanity, all of which is set in a world that is quickly spinning out of control and into the inevitable bloodshed that was World War II. Before I get any further, I will leave it here but I know Rebecca Cantrell won't leave it here, there is still plenty more to come from Cantrell and Hannah Vogel. So be on the look out for future adventures with Hannah. If this is your first venture into the Hannah Vogel series be sure to check out the previous books in the series: "A Trace of Smoke", "A Night of Long Knives" and "A Game of Lies"
If you are looking for a Late Summer or Early Fall read then Rebecca Cantrell's latest installment is for you. "A City of Broken Glass" will keep you turning page after page. If you are looking for a good mystery, high speed thriller, something that will not only keep you interested but have you rooting for Hannah Vogel, all the way to the end, then "A City of Broken Glass" is for you.
If you haven't already, you can own your copy of "A City of Broken Glass" by purchasing it online from Amazon.com (see below) or stop by your local bookstore.
Enjoy!
Visit the Rebecca Cantrell website: http://www.rebeccacantrell.com
The Hannah Vogel series by Rebecca Cantrell
13 August 2012
August 13, 1961
August 13, 1961...
Almost overnight in Berlin, the city is cut-off as construction begins on what is to become known as the Berlin Wall.
Today, 51 years later, we do not celebrate the construction but remember that day and all the 10,315 days until the wall fell on November 9, 1989.
We remember those that lived with the wall as a sore that snaked through the wonderful city of Berlin, those that died trying to get to Freedom, those that were unable to even contemplate escape, and especially those that Defended the Freedom of the city of West Berlin.
(photo of Berlin Wall taken Fall 1986 between Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag)
Almost overnight in Berlin, the city is cut-off as construction begins on what is to become known as the Berlin Wall.
Today, 51 years later, we do not celebrate the construction but remember that day and all the 10,315 days until the wall fell on November 9, 1989.
We remember those that lived with the wall as a sore that snaked through the wonderful city of Berlin, those that died trying to get to Freedom, those that were unable to even contemplate escape, and especially those that Defended the Freedom of the city of West Berlin.
(photo of Berlin Wall taken Fall 1986 between Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag)
02 August 2012
Airplane or Thunder (or Military Training) In Berlin / Flugzeug oder Thunder (oder militärische Ausbildung) in Berlin
Last week, I read a blog post titled "Flugzeug oder Donner" (Airplane or Thunder) on the HIN UND WEG blog found on the Berliner Morgenpost, a FANTASTIC Berlin newspaper, website about how the citizens of Berlin, particularly those that live close to TEGEL AIRPORT and the noise aftermath of a recent rainstorm that grounded flights out of Tegel. It seems that the citizens were not taking to kindly to the fact that once the weather cleared the aircraft took for their respective final destinations after the 11:15 pm "quiet" time cut-off.
The "Quiet" time is something that I never really thought about until I read about it. I can remember training at Doughboy City (US MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) Training Area) & Ruhleben in the British Sector. There was plenty of High Speed Training conducted in those mock villages with their buildings and S-Bahn stations, rail lines, sewer systems, warehouses, and the Rathaus (town hall), every assault and defense was different, no two were ever the same. REALLY!!!
However, there was one thing that was the same when it got dark and late at night, we shut down operations (OK, OK we scaled them "way" back). It seems that the our civilian neighbors wanted a good night's sleep and with our night attacks and artillery simulators and flash bangs and the ever present hooting and hollering of US Army Infantrymen, a good night's sleep was not a certainty. So we had to keep it down.
I had never experienced such a unique set-up when it came to training in the field. Of course, excusing the fact that the training was conducted in a city that housed a couple million people it was unique nonetheless. A couple of million people are more apt to make some kind of noise especially during the "quiet" time but that wasn't our concern, we were out there training and had to do it when we could.
Then again, no one could forget that just outside the city limits (aka the Berlin Wall) there were several Soviet military divisions that also had to conduct their training and sometimes they would back their howitzers right up against the wall and fire their rounds well into the night. I wonder how our Soviet counterparts put up with the complaints from the locals regarding the violation of the Ruhezeiten?
Don't get me wrong, we tried our best to follow the rules but the occasional Artillery Simulator would certainly do its best to rattle a few windows. Then again, there were those welcomed evenings around the fire barrel where the bond among the Infantrymen was solidified and made stronger.
I would like to hear your take on "Quiet Time"
Thanks
Dave Guerra
A Co. 6th Bn 502nd Inf
US Army Berlin Brigade
1985 - 1987
The "Quiet" time is something that I never really thought about until I read about it. I can remember training at Doughboy City (US MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) Training Area) & Ruhleben in the British Sector. There was plenty of High Speed Training conducted in those mock villages with their buildings and S-Bahn stations, rail lines, sewer systems, warehouses, and the Rathaus (town hall), every assault and defense was different, no two were ever the same. REALLY!!!
However, there was one thing that was the same when it got dark and late at night, we shut down operations (OK, OK we scaled them "way" back). It seems that the our civilian neighbors wanted a good night's sleep and with our night attacks and artillery simulators and flash bangs and the ever present hooting and hollering of US Army Infantrymen, a good night's sleep was not a certainty. So we had to keep it down.
I had never experienced such a unique set-up when it came to training in the field. Of course, excusing the fact that the training was conducted in a city that housed a couple million people it was unique nonetheless. A couple of million people are more apt to make some kind of noise especially during the "quiet" time but that wasn't our concern, we were out there training and had to do it when we could.
Then again, no one could forget that just outside the city limits (aka the Berlin Wall) there were several Soviet military divisions that also had to conduct their training and sometimes they would back their howitzers right up against the wall and fire their rounds well into the night. I wonder how our Soviet counterparts put up with the complaints from the locals regarding the violation of the Ruhezeiten?
Don't get me wrong, we tried our best to follow the rules but the occasional Artillery Simulator would certainly do its best to rattle a few windows. Then again, there were those welcomed evenings around the fire barrel where the bond among the Infantrymen was solidified and made stronger.
I would like to hear your take on "Quiet Time"
Thanks
Dave Guerra
A Co. 6th Bn 502nd Inf
US Army Berlin Brigade
1985 - 1987
26 May 2012
Memorial Day 2012
In the United States the last Monday in the month of May has been set aside as Memorial Day. This year that honor falls on the 28th day of the month.
Memorial Day is the one day a year we take pause and remember those men and women that have died while serving their country in time of war. This tradition of honoring our war dead started just as the Civil War ended, then it was called "Decoration Day." Originally, it was to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. However, over time it was extended to all war dead (to include the wars, conflicts, and campaigns prior to the Civil War).
This Monday, I ask that all my family and friends please take a moment (or two) and pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by those individuals when they died while serving our nation and defending our freedom during the time of war.
While you are at it, also keep in mind everyone that is currently in harm's way and remember the Veterans of all the Armed Forces.
Have a Safe, Happy, Fun-filled, Weekend and above all remember Memorial Day and be grateful to be part of a nation that can produce such men and women.
Peace,
Dave Guerra
A/6/502 - Berlin Brigade - '85 - '87
P.S. The following is a list of the Wars, Campaigns, Conflicts, Expeditions, Interdiction, and Operations that our nation's military has participated since the American Revolution up to the current Global War on Terror:
Memorial Day is the one day a year we take pause and remember those men and women that have died while serving their country in time of war. This tradition of honoring our war dead started just as the Civil War ended, then it was called "Decoration Day." Originally, it was to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. However, over time it was extended to all war dead (to include the wars, conflicts, and campaigns prior to the Civil War).
This Monday, I ask that all my family and friends please take a moment (or two) and pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by those individuals when they died while serving our nation and defending our freedom during the time of war.
While you are at it, also keep in mind everyone that is currently in harm's way and remember the Veterans of all the Armed Forces.
Have a Safe, Happy, Fun-filled, Weekend and above all remember Memorial Day and be grateful to be part of a nation that can produce such men and women.
Peace,
Dave Guerra
A/6/502 - Berlin Brigade - '85 - '87
P.S. The following is a list of the Wars, Campaigns, Conflicts, Expeditions, Interdiction, and Operations that our nation's military has participated since the American Revolution up to the current Global War on Terror:
- American Revolutionary War or American War of Independence
- Northwest Indian War or Little Turtle's War or Miami Campaign
- Quasi-War or Franco-American War or Half War
- First Barbary War or Barbary Coast War or Tripolitan War
- Tecumseh's War or Tecumseh's Rebellion
- War of 1812 or Second War of Independence
- Second Barbary War or Algerian War
- First Seminole War
- West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations
- African Anti-Slavery Operations
- Callao Affair
- Arikara War
- Aegean Anti-Piracy Operations
- Winnebago War or Le Fèvre Indian War
- Black Hawk War or Black Hawk Campaign
- First Sumatran Expedition
- United States Exploring Expedition
- Second Seminole War or Florida War
- Second Sumatran Expedition
- Capture of Monterey
- Battle of Kororareka
- Mexican–American War or Mexican War
- Navajo Wars
- Cayuse War
- Pitt River Expedition
- Apache Wars
- Bombardment of San Juan del Norte or Bombardment of Greytown
- Battle of Ty-ho Bay
- First Fiji Expedition
- Yakima War
- Rogue River Wars
- Puget Sound War
- Third Seminole War or Billy Bowlegs War
- Second Opium War or Second Anglo-Chinese War or Second China War
- Second Fiji Expedition
- Paraguay Expedition
- Reform War
- Paiute War or Paiute Indian War or Pyramid Lake War
- American Civil War or War Between the States
- Dakota War of 1862 or Sioux Uprising or Sioux Outbreak of 1862
- Bombardment of Qui Nhơn or Colorado War
- Cochinchina Campaign
- Battles for Shimonoseki
- Powder River Expedition or Connor Expedition
- Snake War
- Red Cloud's War or Bozeman War or Powder River War
- Formosa Expedition or Taiwan Expedition of 1867
- Comanche Campaign or Comanche War
- Battle of Boca Teacapan
- Korean Expedition or Shinmiyangyo
- Modoc War or Modoc Campaign or Lava Beds War
- Oahu Expedition
- Red River War
- Black Hills War or Great Sioux War of 1876–77 or Little Big Horn Campaign
- Nez Perce War or Nez Perce Campaign
- Bannock War or Bannock Campaign
- Cheyenne War or Cheyenne Campaign
- Sheepeater Indian War
- White River War or Ute War or Ute Campaign
- Egyptian Expedition or Second Anglo-Egyptian War
- Colombian Civil War
- Samoan Crisis or First Samoan Civil War
- Pine Ridge Campaign or Ghost Dance War
- Bering Sea Anti-Poaching Operations
- Chilean Civil War
- Rio de Janeiro Affair
- Second Samoan Civil War
- Spanish-American War
- Philippine Insurrection or Philippine–American War or Philippine War of Independence
- Moro Rebellion
- Boxer Rebellion or The Boxer Uprising
- Occupation of Nicaragua or Nicaraguan Campaign
- Mexican Revolution or Mexican Expedition or Pancho Villa Expedition
- Occupation of Haiti or Haitian Campaign or Caco War
- Occupation of the Dominican Republic or Dominican Campaign
- World War I or First World War or Great War
- Russian Civil War
- World War II or Second World War
- Cold War
- First Indochina War or French Indochina War
- Korean War or Korean Conflict or The Forgotten War
- Second Indochina War or Vietnam War or Vietnam Conflict
- Laotian Civil War or Secret War (part of the Second Indochina War)
- 1958 Lebanon crisis or Operation Blue Bat
- Bay of Pigs Invasion
- Cambodian Civil War (part of the Second Indochina War)
- Invasion of the Dominican Republic or Operation Power Pack
- Invasion of Grenada or Operation Urgent Fury
- Lebanese Civil War or Multinational Force in Lebanon
- 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident or First Gulf of Sidra Incident
- Action in the Gulf of Sidra or Operation Prairie Fire
- Bombing of Libya or Operation El Dorado Canyon
- Iran-Iraq War or Operation Earnest Will or Tanker War
- 1989 Gulf of Sidra incident or Second Gulf of Sidra Incident
- Invasion of Panama or Operation Just Cause
- Gulf War or Persian Gulf War or Operation Desert Storm
- Somali Civil War or Operation Restore Hope
- Bosnian War or Operation Deliberate Force
- Operation Uphold Democracy
- Bombings of Afghanistan and Sudan or Operation Infinite Reach
- Kosovo War or Operation Allied Force or Operation Noble Anvil
- War on Terror
- Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan or War in Afghanistan
- Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines or Operation Freedom Eagle
- Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa
- Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara
- Operation Iraqi Freedom or Iraq War
- War in North-West Pakistan or Operation Freedom Eagle
- Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown
- Second Liberian Civil War
- 2004 Haitian coup d'état
- 2011 Libyan civil war or Operation Odyssey Dawn
23 April 2012
WOW! Springtime already????
Hello, everyone! Can you believe it has been since December 18, 2011 that I last posted something here?
Yep, it has been that long (far way too long). Since then we started a new year, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 and have had five (5) new episodes of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast go online.
But that's not all, the Facebook group page crossed over the 1,500 member mark...who will be #2000???
I also started a Fan page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BerlinBrigade) check it out. While it is not as active as the Facebook group page the fan page I will use to communicate to the Facebook crowd as to the happenings here at BerlinBrigade.com.
The Twitter (@BerlinBrigade) is still up and running and we are twittering away. Mostly, on the weekends and evenings. Be sure to check us out.
Also, be on the lookout for random SPREECASTS (http://www.spreecast.com) I will announce the next one on Twitter & Facebook so be on the look out for that.
Let's see what else...over the coming days I am going to start incorporating video into the Website nothing fancy, but it is a start.
That's about it for now. Until next time, which I promise will NOT be five months from now.
Tschuß,
Dave
Yep, it has been that long (far way too long). Since then we started a new year, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 and have had five (5) new episodes of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast go online.
But that's not all, the Facebook group page crossed over the 1,500 member mark...who will be #2000???
I also started a Fan page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BerlinBrigade) check it out. While it is not as active as the Facebook group page the fan page I will use to communicate to the Facebook crowd as to the happenings here at BerlinBrigade.com.
The Twitter (@BerlinBrigade) is still up and running and we are twittering away. Mostly, on the weekends and evenings. Be sure to check us out.
Also, be on the lookout for random SPREECASTS (http://www.spreecast.com) I will announce the next one on Twitter & Facebook so be on the look out for that.
Let's see what else...over the coming days I am going to start incorporating video into the Website nothing fancy, but it is a start.
That's about it for now. Until next time, which I promise will NOT be five months from now.
Tschuß,
Dave
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