Welcome Moderators!

[Ronald_Barbour]

Dear ILay:

In regards to the Russian troops I met while stationed in Berlin from 1974 to 1977 - the relations were okay as technically Russian, British, French and American forces were armies of occupation in Germany - in fact, when we traveled the autobahn from West Germany we were required to stop at the Soviet checkpoints to have our travel permit stamped. While waiting for this to happen we often traded PLAYBOY magazines for Russian Army belts with the large buckles that featured the Red Star.

Of course, these were forbidden wear - on or off duty - which made them even more valuable. I believe the going rate was four or five PLAYBOY magazines for one belt and buckles or 10 USD or 20 DM. The same belt and buckle could be sold to our troops in West Berlin for easily twice that amount. Also, Russian uniforms, hats, boots and other Soviet equipment were collector items! Only weapons and ammunition were off limits, but a friend of mine did purchase an AK-47 from a Russian soldier at this checkpoint in the 1980s.

At the border we never saw Russian troops: the border guards were East German police and army. The only serious incident that happened in Berlin during my tour of duty was in 1976 when an American sergeant (who was very drunk) thought it would be a good idea to start WW III. He stole an M-60 main battle tank (120 mm cannon) and drove it thru Checkpoint Charlie about 200 meters into East Berlin. By then the U.S. Military Police had located his Commanding Officer who ordered the tank back to West Berlin over the radio, and the sergeant obeyed his orders! I understand that he was later sentenced by a court martial to five years in prison.

In regards to the Russian War Memorial in Berlin: It was located in what was then the British Sector. The memorial was surrounded by a fence and guarded by British troops because the Germans in the past had shot at the Russian soldiers guarding the memorial and some had been killed or wounded. To prevent further assassination attempts on Russian military personnel, the British had put the fence and security arrangements in place. About the closest one could approach this memorial on foot was about 250 meters and view from on top of a platform, where a policeman or soldier was always on duty.

Sincerely, Ronbo

[oca]

Ronbo:

Since Ilay has given you a second chance, I'd like to comment on your posting about your duty in GE.

You indicated that you were an American Officer serving in GE. Intelligence if I recall correctly.

I find very hard to believe that an American Officer was engaged in common bartering of Russian equipment for Playboy magazines with the Russian soldiers (assuming that you had physical contact with them).

I can't believe that as a serving officer, or even as an Enlisted man you were allowed to get close to the War Memorial on the other side. It was against the directives of the Seventh Area Command.

As I recall, only certain members of the Military were issued with very special credentials (7th Army Command) to travel to the other side of Charlie Checkpoint. The exception was of course if you were on a convoy passing through only.

One more thing: What is "black humor" to you? I do not think Black Americans would agree with you at your description of "black humor". You don't sound like Richard Pryor, so keep your racist comments out of this arena.

Finally, get in touch with the University of California (a state institution) and let them know about your views on state sponsored universities.

I guess the folks at USC (University of Southern California, a private institution) must be grinning from ear to ear with such an advocate as you.

None of us are moved by your war exploits while fighting the Red Menace hordes. Most of us either had been there, know all about it first hand but choose no to talk about it.

So Rombo, stick with us and share things that we may enjoy listening to, but don't offend our ears with tales that need not to be told or events that never took place.


Oca

[Nonson]

Can I have an AMEN?

[oca]

Nonson my son:

Ergo te absolvo.....


Amen


P.S.Since I am having a glass of wine, you know the old adage "In Vino Veritas", so the truth HAD to come out.


Ave,


Oca

[Nonson]

And in a proper manner.

[Ronald_Barbour]

I guess I was politically incorrect again in regards to "black" humor - I suppose that could be changed to macabre humor. What's my punishment? Ten lashes with a wet noodle? Actually it's liberals like you who are the racists, and who simply play the race card to elect white liberals into office who do nothing to help African - Americans.

In regards to my tour of duty in Berlin in the middle 70s - Yes, it was against Army regulations to talk or trade with Russian military personnel - and I know of several soldiers who were punished for doing this - but I also know of scores like myself who went unpunished.

By the way - When traveling on the autobahn to Berlin from West Germany in those days, Allied troops were required to stop and process at two Russian checkpoints: Alpha near Helmsedt (sp.) in West Germany and Bravo near the southern American Sector in Berlin. Both these checkpoints were manned by Russian soldiers, although most of the trading took place at Alpha.

In reference to my assignment in Berlin: I was stationed at Andrew's Barracks in the U.S. Army Field Station Berlin and worked at the Teufelsberg Communication site in the British Sector. The next two years were spent in a "civilian clothing" assignment as a sergeant, as I wasn't commissioned until returning to CONUS in 1977.

Sincerely,

Ronbo