Following Germany's World War II surrender, Berlin was occupied by Armed Forces of Britain,
France, the Soviet Union, and the United States. US forces took charge of America's Occupation
Sector in July 1945.
First US troops in Berlin were from the 2
nd "Hell on Wheels" Armored Division who
were soon replaced by elements of the 82
nd "All American" Airborne Division
and 78
th "Lightening" Infantry Division. Shortly, these two divisions were withdrawn;
replaced by the 3
rd "Old Guard" Infantry Regiment which was inactivated in 1946.
3
rd Battalion, 16
th Infantry "Rangers" of the 1
st Infantry
Division, and 16
th Constabulary Squadron (Separate) occupied Berlin's US Sector
from 1946 until 1950 when 6
th Infantry Regiment "GATORS" was activated to replace
them.
Pentomic reorganization of 1958 replaced 6
th Infantry Regiment with 2
nd
Battle Group, 6
th Infantry, and 3
rd Battle Group, 6
th Infantry.
The International Crisis caused by construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 resulted in the
Berlin Brigade being reinforced by units of the 8
th "Golden Arrow" Infantry
Division, 24
th "Victory" Infantry Division, 4
th "Ivy" Infantry Division,
and 1
st "Big Red One" Infantry Division until 1966.
Eight reinforced Battle Groups (3 month rotation) augmenting Berlin Brigade 1961-1963 each had about 2,100 men
(including a light artillery battery, truck company, etc.). From 1963-1966 the 24
th Infantry
Division in West Germany rotated Infantry Battalions, of approximately 830 men each, into Berlin every 3
months.
Berlin Brigade's 1963 reorganization replaced 2
nd & 3
rd Battle Groups,
6
th Infantry with 2
nd Battalion, 6
th Infantry; 3
rd Battalion,
6
th Infantry; and 4
th Battalion, 18
th Infantry "Vanguards"
which was replaced in 1972 by 4
th Battalion, 6
th Infantry.
Another reorganization in 1984 replaced 2
nd, 3
rd, and 4
th
Battalions, 6
th Infantry with 4
th Battalion, 502
nd Infantry;
5
th Battalion, 502
nd Infantry; and 6
th Battalion,
502
nd Infantry. These three "STRIKE" Battalions called Berlin "home" until American
forces left Berlin in 1994.
The US Army maintained in Berlin four large military installations (McNair-, Andrews-, Roosevelt-
and Turner Barracks)in Zehlendorf, that accommodated in addition to their three infantry battalions
several other smaller units. Since July 1945 this had been the home of the American contingent of 6000
soldiers and their military motor pools. More than 100.000 female and male GIs had lived and worked
there during the previous decades.
These consisted of a tank company (F Co. 40
th Armor), combat support, reconnaissance,
signal support, engineer and supply units like HHC, CSB, CSC, S&S Div., E 42
nd , 94C Field
Battery, E320 FB, US Hospital units, Det A (Special Forces) , US Drill team, US Brigade Band
and 298
th Army Band etc., as well as the 759
th military police with its
272
nd and 287
th MP-Companies.
Zehlendorf was one of the six districts in the so-called American sector of West-Berlin. In Tempelhof,
the US-Air Force filled the military area of the local Airport (TCA) with transport planes amongst
other things, and its staff carried out the air surveillance that was vital for our city. A small
helicopter squadron (Type Sikorsky or later Bell UH 1D) provided assistance for the extensive military
tasks of the American forces. The sound of those helicopters are still in the memory of many Berliners.
Everything was directed from the US Headquarters (Clay-Compound) that was placed in the Clayallee,
not far from the subway station (U-Bahn) Oskar-Helene-Heim. At Saargemuender Strasse, very next to it,
the military radio station AFN (American Forces Network), well-known throughout the city, provided the
musical entertainment. It was this familiar music in particular that build a 'bridge' for the GIs to
their faraway home. The Berliners liked to listen the US music. The famous voices from Mark White and
later on from Rick de Lisle are unforgotten. Many German juveniles loved to listen "Frolic at Five."
On the Truman-Plaza that lay directly opposite, their very own American-style shopping center offered
all the essentials for the well-being of the US citizens. Passing the time was made easier for the
soldiers and their families thanks to several clubs and four movies all of their own. (Outpost-,
Columbia-, McNair- -& Andrews theater)
In a moving ceremony the Berlin Brigade, which had existed for 49 years, was dissolved on July 12th
1994 by Bill Clinton, the US President then in office. The ceremony took place in Berlin Lichterfelde
on the "4
th. of July Platz" (former the 4
th ring), very next to the McNair Barracks.
Berlin was reunited and a free city again. The US mission was finished, the Berliners had to say
"Good bye" to their American friends. They never forget what the Allies had done for them in the past.
When the US-army together with the British, French and first and foremost the Soviet troops had defeated
the "monster" of the brown National Socialism or Nazi-regime, having to pay an immense toll of lives,
the German people - like in this case the population of Berlin - experienced a new starting point.
Like other war zones Germany was in ruins, former ideals had drifted away in a flood of tears and sorrow.
The country's infrastructure had ceased to exist; the only things that counted were surviving and coping
with the immediate future. Because of the general need people moved closer together in those years;
modesty and thankfulness were not just phrases but practised every day. Soon the people of Berlin
realized that they could not manage their every day problems on their own without being helped by others.
Furthermore different political attitudes and bickering over responsibilities caused constant disputes
among the Soviets and the three big victorious powers, which quickly led to their splitting. Berlin was
divided into occupation zones or sectors and governed by different laws, regulations and decrees.
Initially mistrust towards the German people was understandably great as the devastating war nightmare
of recent years had left its marks in people's minds. Millions of humans had become victims of the insane
dictatorship. For the Allies and those who had survived there was only one motto: "This may never happen
again."
While economy in that part of Germany that was governed by the three Western Allies was thriving, the
Eastern part controlled by the Soviets sank into a new dictatorship. The climax of this madness was
the August 13
rd 1961 when the GDR cut itself completely off from the West by means of
a wall and barbed wire mercilessly making border troops shoot at their own people, who wanted to escape
from this huge "state prison". Before a veritable avalanche of refugees had nearly bled the "socialist
fatherland" to death. Regularly there were reports of daring cases of escape in the Western daily press;
completely unimpressed by this, however, the SED-regime continued to shoot. Helplessly especially the
inhabitants of West Berlin and the Western Allies had to watch the inhuman activities at the obstacles
at the German-German border. Those who had once witnessed the numerous cowardly and underhanded killings
at the unnatural border could hardly believe that on November 9
th 1989 the wall suddenly came
down over night and that as a result the German people regained democratic unity.
In West Berlin sympathy and ties of friendship had long since replaced the initial mistrust and caution
the young US soldiers had felt for the population of Berlin after the end of World War II. The former
victors and occupants had turned into Berlin's protecting powers.
Germans and Americans lived closely together, frequently met in the streets or at many celebrations
of a private and military nature. The inhabitants of West Berlin liked "their" Americans, the Americans
appreciated the population.
However, it is undisputed that everything in life has got two sides. Where there is light, there is also
shadow. Besides the many positive aspects surely everybody experienced the negative ones as well. There
certainly were different opinions causing friction from time to time that clearly showed that a lot of
what was considered as "normal" in those years could only be a provisional solution related to this
particular situation. However, the majority of the Berliners will surely conclude: "Thank God, that
there were the Western Allies, like here our Americans!" Because of their great initiative this happy
ending was finally achieved. Therefore we have to express our sincere feelings of thankfulness.
The Berlin Brigade was dissolved, however, it shall always be kept in a worthy place in our memories.
This is why I have written two little books that deal with this long, exciting period of time. With
the help of little stories the reader will be taken back to the time of the Allies. People of our present
generation can hardly imagine a lot of what was regarded as "normal" in those days. I believe it is
particularly important that this period will be kept from falling into oblivion.
© Berlin-Brigade.de
4th of July parade booklet of 1986
THE HISTORY OF BERLIN UNITS
THE US COMMAND, BERLIN
The formation of the US Command, Berlin, marked the end of the military government era in
Germany. It was created on 1 September 1949 when the seventh American Commandant in Berlin,
Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, became the first US Commander (USCOB). The American
Commandant commands the US Army, Berlin, and as the personal representative of the US
Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, he is the Deputy Chief of the U.S.Mission, Berlin
(State Department). In charge of the Mission, the American Minister is the US Deputy Commandant.
Together with the Commandant, he represents the United States in the Allied Kommandatura,
the organ through which the United States, Great Britain, and France exercise their governmental
authority and responsibilities for the Western Sectors of Berlin. The responsibilities and
missions of the Deputy Commander, US Army, Berlin, are exercised by the Commanding General,
Berlin Brigade.
THE BERLIN BRIGADE
The Berlin Brigade is the combat arm of the US Command, Berlin. Under that name, the US
Garrison in Berlin was reorganized at the height of the Berlin Wall crisis. It was created
from units already in Berlin by General Orders from the Commander-in-Chief, United States
Army, Europe. He ordered that from 1 December 1961, the core of the United States military
presence in Berlin, the living symbol of America's protection for the people of free
Berlin, would be known as the United States Army Berlin Brigade.
Between 4 July 1945 and 1 December 1961 the security force in Berlin had been known by
several different names. During the first eight months of the occupation, three famous
American divisions in succession occupied the former capital of the German nation: The 2d Armored
Division, the 82d Airborne Division, and the 78th "Lightning" Infantry Division. During
the early post-war years, the Brigade was variously known as the Berlin Military Post, Berlin Command,
and the US Army Garrison, Berlin. For nearly two decades the combat unit has borne with pride the
name Berlin Brigade. The Brigade has come to symbolize the pride and traditions for tens of thousands
of men and women of the United States Army who have served their country and the cause of freedom
east of the Elbe. All privileged to serve with the Berlin Brigade proudly claim the title "Defenders
of Freedom."
The Berlin Brigade stands ready to defend this city against any hostile aggression regardless of its
intent and magnitude. No force of its size in history has contributed more to peace and freedom in
the world.
THE 502d U.S. INFANTRY
The fighting heart of the Berlin Brigade is its three battalions of the 502d infantry. The 502d Infantry
was activated on 2 March 1942, at FT Benning, Georgia, as the 502d Parachute Infantry. In August 1942, it
was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. For the next 22 months the 502d trained hard
preparing for the 101st 's now celebrated "rendezvous with destiny." During the early morning
hours of 6 June 1944, paratroopers of the 502d jumped behind the beaches of Normandy thus becoming among
the first Allied soldiers to land in Europe. As part of the 101st the 502d participated in the
Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe campaigns. The symbolism of the unit's coat of
arms record its participation in WWII battles, now famous in American military history. The eagle's claw
and feathers are representations of the airborne functions of the organization. The bayonets refer to
the unit's bayonet charge at Carentan during the Normandy invasion. Orange, the color of the Netherlands,
refers to the liberation of Best, Holland. The white four bastioned fort circled by a black background
represents Bastogne, Belgium, surrounded by German troops during the Battle of the
Bulge. The ermine spot on the white fort refers to the snow which covered the battleground. LTC Robert
G. Cole led a bayonet charge at Carentan, an act of heroism for which he received the Medal of Honor.
At Normandy, the 502d earned its first Presidential Unit Citation. At Best, Holland, PFC Joe E. Mann
displayed the courage that has become a part of the 502d tradition. A grenade landed near Mann, as his
platoon had been surrounded and was under attack. Without hesitation, PFC Mann threw himself on the
grenade and gave his life for his comrades. For his heroic act Mann received the Medal of Honor. At
Bastogne, BG Anthony C. McAuliffe spoke in the name of all men in the 502d when he said "nuts" to the
German Commander who had demanded surrender. For its fighting spirit at Bastogne the 502d added a second
WWII Presidential Unit Citation to its colors.
The 502d was again called to battle in 1965. As a unit of the 1st Brigade,
101st Airborne Division, the 502d landed at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 29 July of that year and
remained in Vietnam throughout the entire war. In early 1972, along with the rest of the 101st,
the 502d redeployed to the Unite States. The Screaming Eagles were one of the last divisions to leave the
combat zone. Two more Presidential Unit Citations and four valorous unit awards testify to their
distinguished combat record in Vietnam. PFC Milton Lee was one of three 502d soldiers awarded the
Medal of Honor in Vietnam. His acts symbolized the spirit that guided the men of the 502d throughout the
war. On 26 April 1968, Lee, a radio-telephone operator with the 3d platoon, Co B, 2d Battalion, observed
four North Vietnamese establishing an ambush. Lee attacked the position, wiped it out, and continued
fighting until he fell mortally wounded. On June 29, 1984, the three infantry battalions in Berlin were
redesignated the 4th, 5th, 6th Battalions of the 502d U.S. Infantry.
COMBAT SUPPORT BATTALION
Combat Support Battalion received its present designation as a result of a reorganization of
brigade units that became effective on 1 August 1979. It consists of Company F, 40th Armor;
Battery C, 94th Field Artillery; the 42d Engineer Company; the 43d Chemical Detachment;
and the Helmstedt Support Detachment. Its lineage as a separate unit is derived from the
7780th Composite Service Battalion which was organized in Berlin in July 1945. Under the
designation US Army Berlin Brigade Special Troops, it was first authorized its Distinctive Insignia in
July 1968. Its "crest" consists of a flaming torch, two battle axes, the Berlin Wall, and the motto,
"Serves the Select." As described by the Institude of Heraldry, "the flaming torch rising from behind
the wall symbolizes the free city of Berlin and the 'Wall of Shame' which seals it off from the rest
of the world." The battle axes supporting the torch refer to the Battalion's missions and role in
safeguarding the city's freedom.
COMPANY F 40th ARMOR
Company F, 40th Armor, is a separate numbered company under the US Army's Combat Arms
Regimental System. Its parent unit was first constituted in 1941. On 8 May 1941 it was designated the
40th Armored Regiment and served with the 74th Armored Division during WW II.
The Regiment saw action in northern France, the Rhineland, the Alsace and Ardennes campaigns, and
Central Europe. The Regiment was awarded the Belgian Fourragere for its actions against an armed enemy
and it was twice cited in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for exemplary conduct in combat
(1944 and 1945).
The parent Regiment and Company F were redesignated and reassigned several times during the
post-war era. In 1957 it was reconstituted in the Regular Army. On 2 May 1958, it was designated
Company F (Patton), 40th Armor. Company F has served continuously in Berlin since 1 June 1958.
BATTERY C, 94th FIELD ARTILLERY
Battery C, 94th Field Artillery, was constituted on 1 October 1933 in the Regular Army.
It was redesignated Battery C, 94th Armored Field Artillery Battalion 1 January 1942.
In WW II, it participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central
Europe campaigns. It earned the Distinguished Unit Citation Streamer (embroidered Ardennes) and the
French Croix de Guerre (Fourragere).
Battery C, 94th Field Artillery, was reactivated in 1963. It has served continuously with
the Berlin Brigade since 1 September 1963.
BATTERY E, 320th FIELD ARTILLERY
Battery E, 320th Field Artillery was constituted on 15 August 1917 as an element of the
82nd Division. It was absorbed by Battery B, 320th Field Artillery Battalion, on 30
January 1942, and soon thereafter redesignated Battery B, 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion.
The 82nd Division was designated Airborne on August 1942.
Former Battery E, 320th Field Artillery was reconstituted on 22 March 1957 in the regular Army,
and on 2 October 1986, absorbed Battery C, 94th Field Artillery, upon its reactivation and
assignment as an element of the Berlin Brigade. Battery E's parent Regiment is the 320th
Division Artillery, 101st Airborne Division.
42d ENGINEER COMPANY
The 42d Engineer Company was activated in Louisiana on 30 September 1944. During WW II, it was the only
unit of the Berlin Brigade to see active service in both the European and Pacific Theaters of war. It has
served continuously with the Berlin Brigade since September 1963.
287th MILITARY POLICE COMPANY (SEPARATE)
The original parent organization of the 287th MP Company was activated at Fort Ontario,
New York, on 5 September 1942 as the 759th MP Battalion. During WW II it saw service in
North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. It was assigned to Berlin on 30 September 1945. It remained
in Berlin, and was reorganized into two separate MP companies in October 1953. Since that time, the
287 MP Company has seen continuous service in Berlin. In addition to the usual police functions, the
287th provides the US contingents at Allied Checkpoints ALPHA (Helmstedt), BRAVO (Drewitz) and
CHARLIE (Friedrichstrasse). It also provides the guard complement of the US duty trains operating
between Berlin and the Federal Republic.
BERLIN BRIGADE BAND
The Berlin Brigade Band, known as the 298th Army Band, has seen the longest continuous service
in Berlin of any unit assigned to the Brigade. It deployed directly from United Kingdom to Berlin during the
second week of July 1945. During its first months in Berlin, the Berlin Brigade Band participated in the
honors rendered to President Truman, General Eisenhower, General Bradley, and General Patton. During the 49
years since 1945, the list of American and Allied dignitaries for whom the Band has performed has grown
very long indeed, including President John F. Kennedy (1963), President Richard Nixon (1969), President
Jimmy Carter (1978), President Ronald Reagan (1982), President George H.W. Bush, and at the end of all,
President Bill Clinton (1994). By him the Berlin Brigade has got its finally dissolution.
(At the 4th of July Platz, former 4 Ring, right next to McNair Barracks.) Old Berliner are
missing that legendary unit.
THE U.S. AIR FORCE IN BERLIN
At the end of WW II, the Air Force was assigned control of Tempelhof Central Airport and the mission of
controlling all Allied air traffic entering and leaving the three air corridors to Berlin. In June 1948
when the Berlin Blockade began, the Air Force initiated "Opration Vittles," and the first flights to
supply the beleaguered city began. With the participation of Great Britain and France, the Berlin Airlift
achieved its objective on 12 May 1949 when the Blockade was lifted.
The 7350th Air Base Group is the US Air Force's host unit in Berlin providing support to ten
other separate USAF units in the city. These Air Force units include the 6912th Electronic
Security Group, 1946th Communications Squadron, Air Force Office of Special Investigations,
and APO Postal Detachment, plus supporting Air Force elements in the Berlin Air Safety Center, Foreign
Technology Division, US Military Liaison Mission, Joint Allied Refugee Operations Center, Allied Staff
Berlin, and the Armed Forces Radio and Television Network.
Following unit information comes from another 4th of July U.S. parade booklet (1970)
THE SIXTH U.S. INFANTRY
6th Infantry Regiment, 1950 - 1958
2nd & 3rd Battle Groups, 6th Infantry, 1958 - 1963
2nd, 3rd, & 4th Battalions, 6th Infantry, 1963 - 1984
The Sixth United States Infantry was born during a stormy period of American history, nourished on the ideals set forth in the
Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and reached maturity on the fields of unnumerable campaigns in nine separate wars. It also has the
distinction of having been commanded by Colonel Zachary Taylor, who later become the 12th President of the United States.
The present Sixth United States Infantry traces its linage back to January 11, 1812, when the Congress authorized a strengthening of
the regular Army in preparation for the threatening conflict that became known as the War of 1812.
The unit was first known as the 11th Infantry Regiment and served as such on the Canadian border throughout the War
of 1812. At the end of the War the 11th Infantry was consolidated with four other Infantry Regiments to the Sixth U.S.
Infantry Regiment. The new regimental number -6- was based on the fact that the Commanding Officer, Colonel Henry Atkinson, was the
sixth ranking colonel among all the regimental commanders of the U.S. Army.
As a result of the westward expansion of America, the Sixth regiment was assigned to the western frontier of the nation in 1819 and
built Fort Atkinson at Council Bluffs on the Missouri River.
In 1827, the Regiment moved from Fort Atkinson to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where the city of St. Louis is now located. Two years
later, four companies of the Regiment were assigned escort duty along the Santa Fe Trail protecting traders and travelers. In 1813 the unit
of Regiment were called together again at Jefferson Barracks to take the field against the Sac and Fox Indians in the Blackhawk war.
In 1836, the entire Regiment left Jefferson Barracks for Florida via Louisiana.
As part of a force commanded by Colonel Zachary Taylor, the regiment entered the Seminole Indian War in eastern Florida in 1837.
The Regiment remained in Florida until restoration of peace and then returned to Jefferson Barracks in 1842. In 1843, Brevet Brigadier
General Zachary Taylor became Colonel of the Sixth Infantry. The regiment was attached to General Winfield Scott's Army during the
Mexican War and through its gallant actions won five battle streamers. The Sixth Infantry remained as part of the occupation Army in
Mexico until 1848 when it returned to Jefferson Barracks.
For the next ten years, elements of the Regiment were scattered over the western frontier and saw duty in what are now the States of
Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Missouri, and the Dakotas, against the various Indian tribes. In January 1858, the Regiment made a grand
march across the continent from Fort Leavenworth to the Pacific Ocean.
In World War I, the Regiment trained under the 26th Division in France and then joined the 5th Division
for service throughout the war, earning four more battle streamers for its actions. Between World Wars I and II, the Regiment trained with
5th and 6th Divisions before joining the 1st Armored Division for action in World
War II. Fighting as armored infantry, the Regiment played an important role in the North African invasion and campaign. It fought its way
through Algeria, French Morocco, and Tunisia before participating in the Sicilian Campaign.
In late 1943, the regiment was committed in the Naples-Foggia area and was given the mission of assaulting the Axis stronghold at Mount
Porchia. In 13 days of bitter fighting, the Regiment was employed in the Anzio beachhead in 1944 and operated throughout the
Rome-Arno campaign. Later the Sixth was broken up in a reorganization, but elements of the Regiment earned two more battle
streamers in Northern Italy before the end of the war.
From 1945 to 1950, the Regiment was assigned throughout the American Zone of Occupation in West-Germany. On October 10, 1950,
the Regiment was reconstituted and assigned to West-Berlin. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions, Sixth
Infantry, which continue to serve in Berlin, were organized as battalions in September 1963 under U.S. Army's present system of
organization.
THE 18th U.S. INFANTRY
The 18th Infantry Regiment possesses a proud fighting heritage that dates back to the War of 1812.
From its constitution in 1812 until the present, the Regiment has participated in thirtyone campaigns involving all major conflicts of the
United States.
Upon the outbreak of World War II, the Regiment received orders that precipitated the longest and toughest stint of campaigning
in its history.
In 1955, the regiment moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, with the 1st Division. The 18th Infantry
Regiment was reorganized under the Pentomic structure as the 1st Battle Group,18th Infantry, in 1957.
In 1958, the 18th Infantry returned to Germany again. On August 13, 1961, when East Germans divided the free city
of Berlin with the infamous Wall, the 18th Infantry was ordered by President John F. Kennedy to augment the Berlin
Brigade. More than a half million people including the then Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson greeted the 18th Infantry
on its arrival in Berlin. The 1st Battle Group, 18th Infantry returned to West Germany in December
of 1961.
On September 22, 1963, the 4th Battalion, 18th Infantry was organized in Berlin along with the
2nd and 3rd Battalion, 6th Infantry, out of elements of the 2nd and
3rd Battle Groups, 6th Infantry, during the reorganization of Army Divisions.
SPECIAL TROOPS, BERLIN BRIGADE
Special Troops, Berlin Brigade, was organized in July 1945 as the 7780th Composite Service Battalion. The unit name
was changed to Headquarters and Service Battalion , 7781st Army Unit, and later to Special Troops, United States
Army Garrison. On December 1, 1961, it was changed to the present ( 1970) designation.
The Special Troops mission is to provide personnel, administrative, and logistical support to Berlin Brigade.
The following units were assigned to Special Troops, Berlin Brigade:
Headquarters &Headquarters Company
Service Company
42nd Engineer Company
287th Military Police Company
592nd Signal Company
298thArmy Band
Helmstedt Support Detachment
Aviation Detachment
The U.S. Forces maintained lots of vehicles in Berlin.
There were military ( U.S. government) and private owned vehicles (POV).
On all military vehicles were different bumper markings visible.(white, later on black in color).
They identified the unit, the company and the vehicle number. On the most of other vehicles
(sedans, vans, station wagons etc.) were different license plates in use.
Andrews Barracks maintained an U.S. vehicle registration office.
U.S. Government vehicles, for example, Military Police -patrol cars or other vehicles from TMP
(Transportation Motor Pool), used yellow plates.
