May 4, 1945 " 11th Panzer Division Surrenders" (Post #107)

[From 15th FAB YEARBOOK]

Part of an interview from my friend Glynn Raby Jr.

Member of the 9th Infantry Regiment

May 1st, the V Corps was transferred from 1st Army to the 3rd Army, and we began a 200 mile motor march toward CZECHOSLOVAKIA. On jeeps, trucks, and tanks, we were on the Autobahn part of the way, with unseasonable cold weather and some snow. Near the Czech border, we dismounted and began an attack through the SUDATENLAND where the pro-German residents were not glad to see us. May 4th, the 11th Panzer Division surrendered and moved through our columns to the rear. “It was a rare opportunity to see what a full fledged elite division looked like in the flower of its full strength and arrogance. Well-shaven, uniforms pressed, the troops moved up in a long line of vehicles and big weapons, still in fairly good condition”. (from the Division history book).

 There is no letter from Uncle Charlie in this post.