Honor Page 1

On October 1, 1990, at a headquarters compound named in honor of former U.S. Military Governor of Germany, General Lucius D. Clay, colors of U.S. Berlin Command were ceremonially furled a final time.

This brief ceremony officially ended military occupation of Adolf Hitlers's capital city. Two days later, Germany was reunited under a federal constitution. Nearly a half century of Cold War had ended.

Following its World War II defeat, Germany was partitioned into four zones, each occupied by a victorious power: France, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States. Similarly, the victors organized Germany's former capital, Berlin, deep within the Soviet Zone, into four occupation sectors. In July, 1945, U.S. forces took formal control of America's Sector from Soviets who had stormed the city only weeks before. Thus began Berlin's military occupation which would last forty-five eventful years. Unforeseen at the time, 1^st Infantry Division and Occupied Berlin would play significant roles in each others Cold War histories.

First U.S. troops in Berlin represented the 2^nd "Hell on Wheels" Armored Division which secured America's Sector and participated in several victory ceremonies. They were soon relieved by elements of the 78^th "Lightening" Infantry Division and 82^nd "All American" Airborne Division, both slated for permanent Berlin occupation duty. As America reduced its World War II military establishment, a determination was made that Berlin's U.S. Sector would be garrisoned by significantly fewer forces than originally envisioned.

After cessation of hostilities in Europe, 1^st Infantry Division, the Army's famous Big Red One, dispersed units of military occupation troops throughout Germany and Austria (see the author's article, "Between Battles", BRIDGEHEAD SENTINEL , Spring, 2003).

16^thth Infantry "Rangers" , that tough Regiment which only a year before spearheaded Operation "Overlord" at Omaha Beach, sent its 1^st and 2^nd Battalions to Vienna and Salzburg, Austria, and its 3^rd Battalion to Berlin. When 1^st Division consolidated its other units at Grafenwoehr in 1947, 3/16^th remained the U.S. Army's sole Infantry Battalion in Berlin; enforcing America's victory, guarding America's interests, wearing Eisenhower jackets with Big Red One patches.
Although organized as a TO&E Infantry Battalion, standard weapons and tactics training was not part of 3/16^th Berlin routine.
Veterans of that era recall Berlin duties as providing security and conducting ceremonies. Numerous government facilities and projects throughout America's occupation sector were protected by "Rangers" who also augmented Military Police and Constabulary.

Political leaders arriving to see what was left of Germany's capital were greeted by crack 16^st Infantry honor guards. At ancient Spandau Prison, in the British Sector, platoons of 3/16^th Infantrymen guarded seven Nazi war criminals sentenced at Nuernberg. Four conquering armies in Berlin took turns administering Spandau Prison. A formal international changing of the guard ceremony was conducted each month.

Berlin became central to a Cold War between Communist totalitarianism and Western democracy. What is remembered as the "Berlin Blockade" began in June 1948. Attempting to drive the West out, Soviet authorities closed road, water and rail traffic into West Berlin and cut off electrical power. Western response was to supply the beleaquered City by air.

"Operation Vittles" , as the Berlin Airlift was dubbed, flew 17 million tons of food, medicine, coal and other necessities for two million Berliners, over Communist territory from West Germany. The Airlift lasted more than a year and was a logistical masterpiece. Historical photos show DPs (displaced persons) and "Wehrmacht" veterans unloading American planes at Berlin's Tempelhof air base. However, before civilians were organized to handle incoming cargo, an immediate source of manpower was U.S. troops; including 3^rd Battalion, 16^th Infantry, who off-loaded C-47s and C-54s. Barely recognized in history, 1st Infantry Division soldiers played a role in the Cold War's first campaign, the Berlin Airlift.

In 1950, 3/16^th Infantry rejoined its parent Regiment and Division in West Germany. Its Berlin assets (personnel and equipment) became 3^rd Battalion of the 6^th Infantry Regiment which was activated to garrison the city.
Veterans recall that "it as a sad day" when they removed proud Big Red One patches from their O.D. uniforms.

(NOTE: 16^th Constabulary Squadron (Separate), with which "Rangers" had teamed in Berlin, was deactivated, its Troopers converted to Infantry and assigned to the 6th Regiment's 1st Battalion. Coincidentally, 16^th Constabulary Squadron (Separate) was a part of 4^th Cavalry Regiment, a formation whose troops would join 1st Division in later years.)

3^rd Battalion, 16^th Infantry established high standards of discipline, professionalism and military bearing for which Berlin soldiers became renowned. As H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who would serve later, remarked, "You did not get any eightballs in Berlin. The soldiers you got in Berlin were absolutely the finest that were available.. ." (OUTPOST BERLIN, p. 189).
A decade would pass before Big Red One troops returned, but 1st Division soldiers had already left an indelible mark on Berlin's U.S. garrison.

The Cold War grew even colder as relations between major world powers deteriorated. In 1958 Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev demanded that France, Great Britain and the U.S. "demilitarize" West Berlin. Western leaders stood firm allowing thousands of East German citizens to flee Communist oppression through West Berlin.

In 1961 Communist forces began building their shameful Berlin Wall. America responded by reinforcing its Berlin garrison with troops from West Germany. The initial augmenting unit was 1^st Battle Group, 18^th Infantry.

(NOTE: Under the Pentomic concept, Infantry Divisions were organized around five Infantry Battle Groups, rather than three Regiments or Brigades)

18^th Infantry "Vanguards" had served in the Big Red One since 1917, through two World Wars, but were now wearing 8th Division's blue and white "Golden Arrow" patches. According to author David H. Hackworth, a "Vanguard" Company Commander, 18^th Infantry identified strongly with the 1^st Division; so much so that," ...most of the old NCOs were just marking time until their overseas tour was up and they could go back to Fort Riley and their beloved Big Red One." (ABOUT FACE, p. 360).

At Fort Riley, 1st Infantry Divisions responded to the Berlin Crisis by preparing for combat deployment. Its units were quickly brought to full strength; training day and night for weeks on end. Summer 1962 witnessed Big Red One troops boarding long-range aircraft. Their destination was Cold War's front line: BERLIN !

Operation "Long Thrust" deployed reinforced battle groups to Central Europe.
1^st Divisions's premier Long Thrust unit was 2^nd Battle Group, 12^th Infantry which maneuvered at Wildflecken before motor marching 110 miles through Communist East Germany to augment U.S. Berlin Brigade.
2/12^th Infantry was on full alert in position surrounded by hostile forces throughout the tense Cuban Missile Crisis that October. More 1st Division troops entered Berlin in January 1963 as 1^st Battle Group , 13^th Infantry "First at Vicksburg" relieved 2/12^th which returned to Ft. Riley. The following Spring 1st Battle Group, 28^th Infantry, Big Red One's "Black Lions of Cantigny", replaced 1/13^th.

"Black Lions" were on hand during President Kennedy's historic "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER" visit. The final 1^st Infantry unit to serve in Berlin was 2^nd Battle Group, 26^sh Infantry "Blue Spaders". When 2/26^th returned to Ft. Riley that autumn, the Berlin Crisis had eased and the Big Red One was anticipating operations in Southeast Asia.

POSTSCRIPT: In late summer 1963 Berlin Brigade reorganized.
A new unit, 4^th Battalion, 18^th Infantry, was activated. Although its soldiers wore the famous Cold War Berlin Command insignia (USAEUR blue shield, flaming sword and "BERLIN" arch), until 1972 when it was inactivated, a battalion of "Vanguards" bore the colors of a traditional Big Red One regiment and represented a final vestige of 1st Infantry Division in occupied Berlin.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Bering, Henrik "OUTPOST BERLIN", Chicago: edition q, inc., 1995
Grathwol, Robert P. and Moorhus, Donita M., "AMERICAN FORCES IN BERLIN", Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Defense, 1994
Hackworth, Colonel David H. (U.S. Army, Ret.), "ABOUT FACE", New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1989.
Mahon, John K. and Danysh, Ramana. "INFANTRY", Part I, Regular Army (Army Lineage Series) Washington, D.C. : United States Army, 1972.
Veterans of 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Berlin U.S. Military Veterans Association reunion, Columbia, SC. Interviews: June 22-26, 2003.
www.usconstabulary.com/ Website of the U.S. Constabulary Association. Webmaster: Irene Moore

W e b m a s t e r - I n f o

Created in June 2006 by Berlin veteran John Parmenter to honor the famous BIG RED ONE unit with all its veterans. This wonderful plaque is a gift for the McNair museum (Berlin). The ceremony of presentation to Mr. Peter Kauschke, is planned for August while the BUSMVA reunion.


1^st Infantry Division's Berlin Service Recognized
By John Parmenter For nearly half the 20^th century, West Berlin, situated deep in communist East Germany, was an island of freedom in a sea of Soviet tyranny. Historians call Berlin "The Cold War's front line," "Powder Keg of the Cold War," and Flashpoint of the World." For obvious reasons, U.S. forces garrisoning the city were among America's finest. Not surprisingly, on several occasions 1^st Infantry Division troops were called upon to man Berlin's ramparts (see the author's article "Behind the Iron Curtain in Occupied Berlin," Bridgehead Sentinel, Spring 2005). On 11 Aug 2006, a delegation of BRO veterans, led by Dr. Stephen L. Bowman, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired; currently serving as 1^st Infantry Division historian), presented a plaque honoring our division's Cold War service to Berlin's McNair Museum. Accepting for the museum was curator Peter Kauschke. 1^st ID veterans in attendance included retired Command Sergeants Major John Kokoruda and Robert Matty of 3^rd Bn, 16^th Inf,	and Fred Sanford of 2^nd Battle Group (BG), 12^th Inf. Special guest Reinhard von Bronewski, retired West Berlin Polizeioberkommissar, iR, photographed the event for Bridgehead Sentinel. Fashioned from walnut with brass fittings, the unique plaque display our division's shoulder sleeve insignia and motto as well as distinctive insignia of Big Red One units with Berlin service. Also shown are four decorations awarded 1^st ID soldiers in the "Divided City." It cites, "In commemoration of officers and Soldiers of the U.S. Army's 1^st Infantry Division who defended Liberty; proudly serving with Honor and Fidelity behind the Iron Curtain in Berlin, Germany 'Front Line of the Cold War' during a period of military occupation and international Cold War crisis while confronting hostile forces." Nov 1946 saw 1^st Div's 3^rd Bn, 16^th Inf replace the famous "Old Guard" 3^rd Regt in Berlin. 3/16^th, remained in the Divided City until 1950, the only U.S. Infantry in beleaguered Berlin throughout the infamous blockade and subsequent Air Lift.	Two years of international crisis commenced in 1961 with the construction of the Berlin Wall. Four of our division's five Pentomic Battle Groups (2/12^th, 1/13^th, 1/28^th, & 2/26^th) augmented Berlin Brigade during that period; reinforced by BRO Artillery, Transportation, and other support elements. 2^nd BG, 12^th Inf found itself encircled in West Berlin during the near- apocalyptic October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. President John F. Kennedy was greeted by "Black Lions" of 1^st BG, 28^th Inf during his memorable "Ich bin ein Berliner" visit, 26 June 1963. The Cold War is over but a 1^st Infantry Division plaque, now on permanent display in reunified Berlin serves as a reminder that our nation and our magnificent Big Red One are always prepared to defend liberty; even when surrounded by and confronting hostile forces. For more information: www.Berlin-Brigade.de/ and www.McNair-Museum.de © Bridgehead Sentinel

THE LONG THRUST OPERATIONS

by John Parmenter
1^st Battle Group , 28^th Infantry, "Lions of Cantigny,"

Veterans remember bayonet training. "THE SPIRIT OF THE BAYONET IS TO KILL!" How could we ever forget the various moves? -- Horizontal Butt Stroke -- Short Thrust and Hold -- Vertical Butt Stroke -- and of course the real killer, Long Thrust!!! During the early 1960s the U.S. Army named a series of troop deployments after the bayonet tactic: OPERATION LONG THRUST.

Long Thrust Operations flew combat ready reinforced Infantry Battle Groups nonstop from North America (CONUS) to Central Europe (USAREUR), quickly reinforcing 7^th Army and Berlin Brigade. Research of this suggest Long Thrust Operations were a magnificent success.

During the late 1950s -- early 1960s, U.S. Army Infantry Divisions were organized under "Pentomic" concept. Traditional three Infantry Regiments, of "Triangular" Divisions, were done away with as tactical units in favor of five "Battle Groups" which were designed and organized to move and fight on atomic battlefields. Each Battle Group had five lettered (A,B,C,D & E) rifle companies, a headquarters (HQ) company, and a combat support CS) company armed with heavy mortars, assault guns, a reconnaissance platoon with light tanks, engineers, etc. Battle Groups were smaller than traditional Regiments and larger than traditional Battalions. By early 1964, the Army had done away with Pentomic organization. Although Battle Groups are now a mere footnote in military history, Long Thrust Operations occurred during the period they were active elements of U.S. Army organization.

In 1961, Berlin, 110 miles inside Communist East Germany, was still occupied by World War II's victorious powers. Occupation Sectors of the U.S., UK, and France formed the city of West Berlin. East Berlin, occupied by Soviet forces, was the "capital" of USSR's puppet German Democratic Republic (DDR), under communist and Soviet domination. Thousands of East German citizens were escaping to freedom in West Germany through West Berlin. This migration seriously damaged East Germany's economy, resulting in construction of the infamous Berlin Wall. The Soviet government applied pressure to Western Powers to cease their Occupation and allow Berlin to become a "Free City" in the middle of Communist-dominated Eastern Europe. The US responded by augmenting its Berlin garrison with troops from West Germany. In August 1961, 1^st Battle Group, 18^th Infantry "Vanguards," of the 8^th Infantry Division, motor marched down the Helmstedt-Berlin Autobahn, through Communist East Germany into the beleaguered City. This movement set the stage for Operation LONG THRUST.

By assigning 1/18^th Infantry to Berlin, the Army reduced the fighting capabilities of 8^th Infantry Division, 7^th Army's primary reserve, by one-fifth; an unacceptable situation. Also, static duties in Berlin tended to deteriorate combat effectiveness of units assigned there. For these reasons, Army planners decided to rotate augmenting Battle Groups into and out of Berlin every 90 days. In December 1961, the 24^th Infantry Division's 1^st Battle Group, 19^th Infantry "Rock of Chickamauga" relieved 1/18^th of its Berlin "front line" positions. The 18^th returned to its place with the 8^th Infantry Division. This move left the 24^th Division minus one-fifth of its combat strength. At that time, USAREUR's 7^th Army, facing a possible onslaught of Warsaw Pact forces, had only five combat ready Divisions: 3^rd, 8^th, and 24^th Infantry, 3^rd, and 4^th Armored. The continued rotation of reinforced 7^th Army battle groups into Berlin seriously weakened Allied fighting capabilities in the Fulda Gap. Army planners turned to CONUS, US forces in the United States, for the answer to Berlin Brigade augmentation. That answer was Operation Long Thrust.

When the 19^th moved into Berlin, the 4^th Infantry Division at Ft. Lewis, Washington, deployed its 2^nd Battle Group 47^th Infantry to West Germany's Wildflecken Training Area. 2/47^th arrived in Europe understrength and was "fleshed out" by Infantrymen of 8^th ID's 1/26^th "Blue Spaders." At that time, the 4^th Infantry Division made up one-third of the State-side Strategic Army Corps (STRAC) which also included 82^nd and 101^st Airborne Divisions (both were parachute units at that time). After three months training in and around Wildflecken, the 47^th replaced the 19^th in Berlin. 1/19^th returned to the 24^th ID. June 1962 saw 2/47^th being replaced by 1^st Battle Group, 8^th Infantry, also of the 4^th Infantry Division. By rotating CONUS units to Wildflecken for training, then to Berlin, 7^th Army was able to maintain its combat strength and actually had an extra reinforced Battle Group in case "the balloon went up." In addition, of course, there was another extra Battle Group augmenting Berlin Brigade.

Long Thrust troops arrived in West Germany with their individual weapons only. Crew served weapons, cold weather gear, vehicles, etc., were drawn from pre-positioned NATO stockpiles. Some had been cannibalized and were inoperable. However, with excellent support from 7^thArmy Ordinance units, Long Thrust Soldiers were ready for action within days, if not hours, of their arrival in Europe.

One of the results of the 1961 Berlin Crisis was to strengthen US Army fighting capabilities. In the late 1950s, the Army's 1^st Infantry Division, the famous "Big Red One," had been reduced to a recruit training cadre at Ft. Riley, Kansas. The Berlin Crisis of August 1961, caused 1^st Division to upgrade itself to full TO&E strength. By the following year, its troops were considered ready for combat deployment. The 1st ID became a part of STRAC and began participating in Operation Long Thrust. Spring, 1962, saw the Big Red One's 2^nd Battle Group, 12^th Infantry fly to West Germany for three months Wildflecken field training, then replace 1/8^th in Berlin -- 1/8^th flew back to Ft. Lewis. 2/12^th, along with the regular Berlin Brigade (2^nd & 3^rd Battle Groups, 6^th Infantry "Gators" and Co. F, 40^th Armor), defended West Berlin during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of that year. First Infantry Division continued the Long Thrust rotation with its 1^st Battle Group, 13^th Infantry "First at Vicksburg," followed by 1^st Battle Group, 28^th Infantry "Lions of Cantigny," and 2^nd Battle Group, 26^th Infantry "Blue Spaders." 2/26^th was the last of the Long Thrust Battle Groups to soldier in Berlin. It was deactivated shortly after its return to Ft. Riley. A fifth 1^st Division Battle Group, 2/8^th, deployed to Wildflecken but did not advance into Berlin. It stayed in West Germany to reorganize as 1^st & 2^nd Battalions, 16^th Infantry before returning to Ft. Riley and the Big Red One. From 1964 to 1966, following the Army's ROAD (Battle Groups to Battalions) Reorganization, Berlin Brigade drew upon Infantry Battalions from 7^th Army's 24^th Infantry Division for reinforcements.

Operation Long Thrust demonstrated to friends and enemies alike the US Army's resolve and ability to move significant combat ready elements from North America to potential combat zones in minimal amounts of time. By training and testing in Wildflecken, Long Thrust units honed their combat skills to a keen fighting edge before advancing to the Cold War's front line, Berlin. Long Thrust units moved so often that troopers of the 7^th Army referred to them as "duffle bag soldiers." With the Berlin Crisis and Cuban Missile Crisis, historians identify the early 1960s as the "hottest" period of the Cold War. The professionalism repeatedly demonstrated by Berlin Brigade, 7^th Army, and those CONUS-based Long Thrust Battle Groups proved to be a strong deterrent to Soviet aggression.

BLACK LIONS IN BERLIN

by John Parmenter

U.S. Army, -1^st Battle Group , 28^th Inf., 1st Inf. Div.-

john

The title, "Lions of Cantigny" was awarded the 1st Division's 28^th Infantry Regiment for its 1918 assault on a German stronghold in France. As distinctive insignia, the 28^th selected the heraldric black lion and white shield of Picardy Province. Even today, 28^th Infantrymen are known as the "Black Lions".

In April, 1963, Colonel Joffrey H. Boston led the 1st Battle Group, 28^th U.S. Infantry (Reinforced) up the Helmstedt Autobahn into Berlin from West Germany's snowy Wildflecken training area.

The Black Lions, supported by Battery A (105mm), 2/33 Artillery, 444^th Transportation Company (Light Truck) and other units, made up Task Force 28 which temporarily augmented the famous Berlin Brigade at its vital outpost. In the sixth of a series of "Long Thrust" operations, which deployed Stateside units to Europe, TF 28 flew into ice covered Rhine Main from Ft. Riley, Kansas the previous January. After drawing vehicles and crew served weapons from pre-positioned NATO stocks, the Black Lions maneuvered with 7^th Army forward units. Only the best served in Berlin. TF 28 was certified fit for assignment upon attaining a "superior" ATT following three months of tough, realistic field training in the "Bundesrepublik".

In Berlin most of 1/28 quartered at Andrews Barracks, historically, "Lichterfelder Kadettenschule", a Prussian military academy and home of Hitler's SS bodyguard. Manning the Cold War's front line, Berlin soldiers were subject to continuous inspections, alerts and preparedness drills. Combat readiness and physical fitness were essential. Accustomed to living in Kansas mud and Hessian snow, Black Lions quickly adopted the Berlin values of spit-shined leather, polished brass, and daily drill. Weekly parades asserted Allied military presence in the face of tyranny. Western dignitaries arriving in Berlin were ceremonially greeted by spiffy Black Lion guards bedecked with French "Forrageres" and Blue Cords. "Grunewald" exercises saw 1/28 troopers serving as "aggressors" to Berlin Brigade's elite combat units (2^nd and 3^rd Battle Groups, 6^th Infantry and Company F, 40^th Armor). Black Lions helped patrol the infamous Berlin Wall and backed up "West-Berlin Polizei" riot control strategy.

When John F. Kennedy came to town and gave his memorable "ICH BIN EIN BERLINER" speech, seven companies of Black Lions turned out in starched khakis, gleaming black boots, blue scarves, white gloves, and glistening "Spandau Green" helmet liners as a Presidential Guard of Honor (see photo, page 182, "OUTPOST BERLIN" by Henrik Bering, Edition Q Inc 1995.)

Having excelled in their Cold War role, Colonel Boston's Black Lions returned, that summer, to Ft. Riley and the redoubtable Big Red One. Proudly, they displayed ribbons of the Army of Occupation and Expeditionary Forces, earned for soldiering on the edge of freedom with Americas's finest:

The following is an impromptu talk delivered to recruits of C Company, 1st Battalion, 28^th Infantry "Black Lions of Cantigny," just four days into Basic Combat Training, at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina on 23 June 03 by Cold War Veteran John Parmenter.