3d SQUADRON MEMORIAL

General Crow's remarks at dedication ceremony 25 June 2009                                            German TV coverage  Link

Landrat Dr. Schmitt, Buergermeister Boehmer, Frau Hasper, Troopers and Friends of the 14th and 11th Armored Cavalry Regiments – Thank you for coming. 

The first Americans to visit Bad Hersfeld arrived on 31 March 1945.  General George S. Patton’s Third Army was briefly headquartered in some of these very buildings in early April of that year, and for the next forty eight years this Kaserne served as a base of U.S. operations.  Over the years this magnificent facility has been home for legions of heroes and their families – past and present – and holds a special place in the hearts of all who have been part of its proud history. 

Originally titled “Kaserne Langemarck”, many of these buildings around us were constructed in 1937 and housed motorcycle and armored car units during most of World War II.  As Americans established operations in the area, many distinguished leaders – Generals Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, and Creighton Abrams to name a few – graced the halls of these buildings as they worked with the German leadership to establish an amicable peace at war’s end.  These were the beginnings of deep relationships that would evolve over time and leave indelible marks on the lives of thousands of Germans and Americans. 

At the end of the war, the Kaserne was renamed “McPheeters’ Barracks” in honor of Lieutenant Colonel John W. McPheeters who died on the Anzio Beachhead in March, 1944. A series of transitions in the late ‘40s led first to a constabulary force then the 14th Cavalry assuming the border security mission, followed by the 11th Cavalry after its return from Vietnam.  The two Regiments represented here today have a combined total of over 45 years’ service working with their German friends to secure “Peace on Freedom’s Frontier”. 

Over 20,000 American Soldiers and their families have called Bad Hersfeld “home” at least once during their lives, and without exception all cherish their time and the friends made here.  The experience of ‘Border Duty’ in Bad Hersfeld has produced a number of senior leaders in our Army – Generals Crosbie (Butch) Saint, B.B. Bell, Stan Cherrie, and Command Sergeant Major George DeSario – here with us today – are but part of a long list of heroes who ‘earned their spurs’ on the border.  Major General Kevin Bergner and LTC Todd Walsh (currently commanding First Squadron of the Blackhorse) are two other veterans of Bad Hersfeld who continue the legacy today. 

The American experience in Bad Hersfeld was not unique, but it was special by anyone’s standards.  From the “initiation” of new officers with a Squadron-Commander-directed all night search for the fabled “McPheeter’s Helm” (the helmet of namesake COL John McPheeters rumored to be secured somewhere in an attic of one of these buildings), to the unpredictable ‘Lariat Advance’ and frequent extended tours out at OP India and Romeo. And the German friends who worked so hard to make this place truly a second home for our Soldiers – Hella von Hake, Kathie Engelmann, and Herr Kuenzner are but a few from a long list of dedicated supporters of our Troopers and their families.  All contributed to the lifestyles of our Soldiers on the Border, and we are all better for it. 

The idea of a monument at this historic site was first presented by Mr. Gaither Deitz – himself a veteran of service with the 14th Cavalry here in the late 1960’s.  The intent was to honor our Soldiers Service and commemorate the enduring bond established between the German and American communities associated with securing peace during the Cold War era.  The idea was quickly embraced and a committee established to organize and fund the monument.  The stone and plaque you see here today are the result of over three years hard work by the committee members listed in your program. Some of committee members are here with us today – would Hans Duerr, Bill Wray, and Everett Tracy raise your hands so we can identify you – I think all will agree that this is an outstanding effort beautifully done, and join me in congratulating them for their hard work and accomplishments.  (Applause).

I want to pay special tribute to Steve Lungstrum who led this committee – his energy and focus were key to the success of the project.  Steve spent several years here in the early 70’s – long enough in fact to fall in love with and wed Monika Weinbrenner.  Steve, Monika, Erik and Jason were scheduled to “come home” and be here with us today, but illness forced cancellation of their trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lungstrums and the Weinbrenners – who are here with us today – and we wish Monika a speedy recovery. 

Over 40 years of shared lives and memories of Third Squadron Troopers here in Bad Hersfeld have indeed established hundreds of enduring relationships, and helped lay the foundation of peace and freedom for generations to come. This monument pays tribute to those achievements and will remind all who see it of the shared sacrifices and victories of the era.  I salute all of you on this occasion and congratulate you for a job well done. 

Blackhorse!