Mission of The 3rd Squadron 14th & 11th Armored Cav

"The mission of the 14th and 11th ACR was to verify an attack of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviets. War Games were played by both sides on the border. We did recon on the border so we could alert the 7th Army of an advance across the border. That's why we were a Recon Sqdn. Our second mission was to delay the aggressors as long as possible. Life expectancy was 20 minuets. All larger units were located farther into Germany, this would give them time to mobilize and to get NATO units on the move. They also had to relocate dependants. Why would we have had a NA 14 (Nuclear Warheads) if not to slow down the progress of the aggressor. ........... To the men who served here in the 14th ACR Regiment during the Cold War. Part of them will always remain in this place. Their dedication to duty served as a testament to the world that freedom is precious. ........... A unified Germany has resulted from the efforts and personal sacrifices made by the soldiers stationed here in Bad Hersfeld. May history never forget all those who served here with the 3rd SQDN 14th Armored Calvary Recon. Regiment, US 7th ARMY." .......................... John Hathcock, US Army Special Forces, MSG. Ret. North Carolina XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX More HERSFELD HISTORY, Not in our history books via an email I received: You've created a memorial to our service (speaking of this web page). There were some good times, but there were also some very very tough times. If the communists had attacked - we were all dead. Everyone knew that and we did our duty. Standing there - waiting to make our lives count by taking as many was we could before they killed us. Hard to understand now. They had planned to use tactical nukes and chemical agents in advance of their troops. We know that now because we have their battle plans. All the German around us would have died too. But, if we had not been there - they would have either died or been enslaved. We did some good work and we can be proud of our service! Gaither thanks again for all you've done for all of us! An 11th ACR GI's name withheld

Wednesday 28th 2010f April 2010 10:29:00 PM

Nukes (NA 14) The Davy Crockett

Nukes (NA 14) The Davy Crockett The other day I met with a former Army buddy of 1966 a retired Master SF Sergeant John Hathcock ‘MSG’. He was telling me that when I was 18 serving in the Army in Bad Hersfeld, Germany (during the Cold War along the East-West German border). The ammo dump (NA 14) where we pulled guard duty contained a nuclear weapon called the "Davy Crockett". This was surprising news to me. At that time 1966-1969 this information was classified. He went on to say that the person firing this weapon would be in the Nuclear Fallout zone due to its short range (AKA the kill zone). We also had a nuclear warhead that could be fired from our 155 mm Howitzer. "The Davy Crockett was developed in the late 1950s for use against Soviet troops in West Germany. It used a version of the W54 warhead, a very small sub-kiloton fission device, and weighed only about 51 lbs. with a selectable yield of 10 or 20 tons (very close to the minimum practical size and yield for a fission warhead) The Davy Crockett, was the smallest nuclear warhead ever developed by the United States that could be mounted to a recoilless rifle on a tripod, at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, in March, 1961. Production of the Davy Crockett began in 1956, and 2,100 were produced. The weapon was deployed with U.S. Army forces from 1961 to 1971, very rare." Thursday 18th 2008 December 2008

Tuesday 16th 2010f March 2010 12:38:00 AM

Max Whipps 'Request' ..Click All Post to Read...

----- Original Message ----- From: Secretary, 14th Cav Assn To: 'Gaither' ; 'Bill Wray' Cc: 'STAN CHERRIE' ; 'Steve Lungstrum' ; JRDobos@aol.com Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007 3:30 PM Subject: RE: 3d SQUADRON MEMORIAL WEBSITE NOTICE [The word ' Squadron ' is corrected. Gaither, Please remove me from your cc list for messages regarding the proposed 3rd Squadron Memorial. I don’t really have any interest in such a memorial as there is already one for the regiment at the former Downs Barracks. I can easily see your interest in pursuing the project, but it is not an Association matter. Suivez Moi, Max Whipps Secretary 14th Cav Assn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx My reply to Max Whipps, Sir, I find it hard for me to understand your feelings toward the 3rd Sqdn memorial. Anything to strengthen the Association as a whole should be viewed as a viable asset to the entire 14th ARC Association. Such attitudes are not expectable from the officers of the association. I started this to unite our brothers from the 3rd Sqdn to join together and do a good thing. You, Sir and some others have not been of any help, but discouraged any support and let the whole matter turn into a cluster mess. Your handing off the entire program to a committee has resulted into a complex situation. No one knows who is in charge or sure of what the next step is going to be. I will certainly remove you from my cc and in the mean time remove me from your rolls as a member of this absurd Association. I do not intend to send anymore due to such an Association. Based on your email, please do not ask me to renew my membership with the 14th Cav. What I started and via my web page, many former 3rd Sqdn members have been reunited, others are meeting for the first time, via emails, phone calls and in person, strengthening the 3rd Sqdn comradeships. My website speaks for its self as to my dedication to the 3rd Sqdn 14th ACR. I will continue to support the 3rd Sqdn via my website at my expense. Please visit it in the future. http://thedeitz.com/ I am only speaking for myself, Gaither Deitz US Army - 3 years, Spec 4 – Specialist 4th Class ... There Should Be No RHIP In An Association ... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx John Hathcock 14th ACR 23/08/09 22:56:10 I was with he and his wife Shelia at the Border re-union this past June when the memorial was dedicated. Everyone has to understand had he not pushed this idea the memorial plaque would not have ever happened. He was met with so much resistance that I was appalled, even the 14th Armored Cav. Assoc. refused to support the effort. They finally formed a committee to help. I will give atta boys to Bill Wray, Hans Duerr, and Everett Tracey for good job. =========================================================================================================. 26/8/2009 If I may add, Sgt Hathcock 'Retired MSG Special Forces' it was because of your strong support I did not give up. I will never forget your close support along with the support of Bill Wray and Hans Duerr. Gaither Deitz SP/4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *"I am General B. B. Bell and currently command US Forces in Korea. Gaither, I would be honored to help with raising money for the recognition plaque. I served with the 3/14 from 1969 to 1972 and departed just before the unit was redesignated as 3/11. Thanks for taking this aboard. Your commitment to the memory and effort of those Cold War Cavalrymen and their mission is super. I was a tank platoon leader in Mike Troop, then Squadron Maintenance Officer, and finally L Troop Commander. My son was born in the hospital in Bad Hersfeld. Good memories. Take care and again thanks for your great efforts. http://www.usfk.mil/USFK/index.html All the best."

Tuesday 16th 2010f March 2010 12:37:00 AM

My Time with The Army: SOP, Duties etc

While the U.S. had troops in Vietnam, we the men of the 3rd Sqdn were watching the border 'Our Back Door' "Watch on Freedom's Frontier" The 3rd Squadron had several troopers that either volunteered or received orders for Nam, and I thank them for their service. SP/4 Deitz 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- During my time with the 14th Cav 1966-1968 GI's under the rank of E-5 were required to live on base. As many as 4 GIs to a room. No locks on the doors, this is why my Reel to Reel was stolen while I was in the Mess Hall. We were not allowed to have a POV or leave the base without a pass. Even with a pass we had to return the same day unless we had a weekend pass. We had a dress code for what we could wear off base. Now added to our daily duties, we pulled extra duties like Guard Duty, KP, and CQ. The duties were 7 days a week 356 days a year. For KP you reported for duty at 0400 Hrs and worked till the last pot was clean. Guard Duty was 2 hours at a post and 4 off. Part of the 4 hours off was going to and from your guard post. It was hell when it was freezing out at 0300. All we would think about was getting back in our warm bunk and getting some sleep. It seemed like every time I put in for a weekend pass I would end up on one of the extra duty list. Some Troops that pulled border patrol were exempt from these duties. Then we all had our GI Parties, Police Call and more. The pay then was $185.00 a month, money was tight. To make up for this we would sneak gas from the motor pool to put in a friend's VW. Being an enlisted man you found out real quick the meaning of RHIP ..................... 'Rank Has its Privileges' Do I have any hard feelings? No sir! Would I do it again? Yes sir! It's a total different Army today. Some in the NEW Army have asked me, what is KP, a pass? Gaither Deitz

Wednesday 17th 2010f February 2010 11:39:00 PM

Jim Small 14th ACR 1967-1968

Jim Small 14th ACR 1967-1968 26/10/09 11:59:20 Gaither-I figured it was time I finally wrote something on this. First, thanks for all you've done to keep it all going for the guys who served a lot of time in Bad Hersfeld. Jim Protteau and I arrived in BH in December of 1967, and we were both assigned to Commo platoon of Headquarters Troop as radio teletype operators. I was almost immediately put in place to replace Ron Johnson as the guy in the comm center who kept the security items up to date, as well as making sure that schedules were updated and SOI's built each month. I remember Sargeant Wahlen, Lt Urse, later Capt Urse, Bill Davis, Ray Englert, Dave Grames, Gaither Deitz (the one and only), Ted Van Dine, John Torres, Williams, AKA "The Kid", John Armstrong, Stan Logan, Kenny Sablon, Bill McNiel, Harry Haring, Ian Seaton, and "Short Round". I also remember my German friends, Fritz Sandner and Pete Mikat. A great story, not to be told by me, is the one of Armstrong and Haring going taking their leave to Copenhagen. Another is the night exercise that we "played" and Englert and I were the very last ones back to the baracks about 3:00 AM. Sarge was pissed! We couldn't help it that we both got separated from everyone and ended up falling asleep under the huge pine trees. Yes, I have some happy memories of my 15 months in McPheeters baracks and around Germany. I've forgotten most of the army's BS though. Thanks for the memories, guys. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 26/10/09 Jim speaking of the guys, we just returned from a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway (North Wilkesboro, Boon, Blowing Rock, N.C. etc. While attending a birthday party near Wilkesboro I met a local that may be able to get us in touch with Robert ‘Bob’ McNeil. I’ll be sure to let all know if Bob calls. FYI Bob is from N. Wilkesboro. Thanks for your post, Gaither

Thursday 29th 2009f October 2009 12:19:00 PM

By: Robert Jones & Gaither Deitz 14th ACR

By: Robert Jones & Gaither Deitz 14th ACR Troopers: After more than 40 years I exchanged an email with the GI I came close to shooting in 1966. Sunday, August 24, 2008 Re: I would love to know who that drunken GI was that came real close to being shot by me. >>>>> NOW I KNOW >>>>> Robert Jones To Gaither Deitz:> Gaither, I and Richard Kittridge or Arthur Muldoon got snoot slinging drunk and were walking back on the fence road, a no-no. You were supposed to walk on the center road. We had to take a leak and just as we rounded the corner on the fence road by the motor pools a guard stepped out of the shadow and challenged us. We were drunk and wise ass cocky; we told him to go to hell and laughed. But it quickly became evident that he was serious. I was assigned to the Post Office for the Holidays and a black buck Sgt. was in charge. I told him about it the next day and he told me I was lucky I didn't get shot. Robert Jones >>>>>>>>>>MY REPLY to Robert Jones:> Robert that was me pulling guard that night at the tank motor pool near the EM Club. When the GIs approached the tanks, per our Guard Orders (SOP) I shouted HALT! When he (you) continued to approach, I lowered my M-14 at his (your) chest per our SOP. The GI that was with him (you) took him (you) by the arm saying, let’ get out of here I think he will shoot. I was ready to fire my M14. I often think what would had happen if he (you) had not retreated. I was ready to shoot per our SOP. Sorry if you think I over reacting. What do you think the Army would have done to me and how would I had felt if two drunks took my weapon and or stole a tank (we know tanks don't have keys :) crashing same into a building/EM club killing wounding several. I’m glad it ended the way it did.

Thursday 29th 2009f October 2009 12:04:00 PM

Dan Perkins Sham Time!

By: Dan Perkins, 14th ACR Dan Perkins Hi Gaiter, I was in How Battery from July 68 to Jan 70. I was a gunner on a M109SP 155 Howitzer. Never thought I would ever see the old place again. I was a draftee and the 2 years in the Army I thought would never go by, and now it's 40 years later, amazing. Been looking for some old buddies and actually found one, and now e-mail back and forth, still can't find my other best friend. Great seeing the pictures, the EM club, wash rack, the Sherman Tank. Remember the Alert's and the 5K club.. Thanks a lot for posting, Dan Perkins. It is good to hear from folks that lived thru the same thing at that time with everything else in the in the world. Beatles, Stones, Doors, psychedelic. If you weren't there no one knows what you are talking about!! Your right we may have crossed paths at the Mess Hall. I bet you were like me, when they hung the Liver & Onions sign out it was straight to the Snack Bar!! The German lady who did the laundry, the tailor who put on your stripes when you got promoted, or needed a Hawk Jacket. Am I glad I did it yes, just for the experience, and the friends I made. Would I want to do it again? Not on your Life!!! Shopping up here is not as good as walking out the main gate and seeing the Mox Nix man, or the hairy legs and arm pits of the girls over there. I remember going to Graf and to the EM club there in the back of a 5 ton and seeing the Go Go girls, boy were they Dogs, but after the second beer they weren't so bad. By the end of the night we wanted to marry them!!! I'm not exactly sure how to post, and haven't done it yet. Have touched base with Military.com and even called the guy I'm looking for home town. Hey but it's been 40 years, he maybe dead for all I know. Again I wish I had your foresight and took pictures, and leaned more German than I did, but you know what it was like. Every day was thinking about how to get out of the next Detail, or guard mount and guarding an Ammo Dump with the lights shining on 3 guy's in the middle of the woods with 5 rounds of Ammo a piece, Stupid!!! Thanks again for getting back to me so fast and really enjoy the site. Gotta tell you something spooky, I worked at Polaroid for 35 years before they went under and now work as a shipped receiver a lot closer to home, half the money, but just good to have a job now. Anyway this truck pulls in yesterday to off load to us. I was talking to the driver and I said something about my boss being out and I would be taking some Sham Time!! He says Sham Time you must have been in the military, I said yes, asked him where he did his time, Germany, where in Germany, Bad Hersfeld, and You Got to Be Shitting ME!!! He was there in the 80's and I told him about your site, Small world after all. Well gonna do some work now, but the boss is still out so there will be Sham Time today!!!! Soowee Moooee .. Dan Perkins. Wednesday 17th 2008 December

Thursday 29th 2009f October 2009 10:46:00 AM

Fond Memories by Ron Johnson

For now, I will refer to you as “Deitz”, not Gaither, not Mister, but simply “Deitz”, for reasons that will become obvious, as I continue. Several days ago, I was starting to feel old and nostalgic, so I started bouncing around the internet, and ran across your info. What a surprise!!! I too, was like you. Less than one year out of high school, with no definite plans, and a fear of dying in Viet Nam. So a friend of mine and I enlisted in the Army, on the “buddy plan”. Without going into a lot of detail, we found out that the “buddy plan” merely sent us to basic training together, and then we were off to separate schooling. I was to never see him again, due to his deployment to Viet Nam, and subsequent loss of life. After schooling in Ft. Knox (O5C), I was assigned to the 14th A/C at Bad Hersfeld, in January 1967. Yes, you were already there, along with the others that I have fond memories (and some pictures) of. It was quite enlightening to open my scrapbook, and see some of the same pictures that you have on your website, only taken seconds apart, with the people in slightly different positions. The memories . . . . . . many good, some bad, and some, I’m sure, completely gone. The bad memories of filthy latrines (clogged up more often than not), the food (of course), the lack of hot water, and of course, the unfortunate racial tension that was beginning to emerge at this time. And that damn red wax. It seemed as if every week we were hand waxing every room, and that huge hallway. The fond memories of getting hammered at the E.M. Club, then trying to slide on the ice, all the way down to the bottom. The small knoll outside the bowling alley, with Mullens and his roommate drinking beer, constantly, at this spot. Also, working in the Comm Center, and Talley’s morning ritual of a powdered do-nut every morning at the snack bar - - - - then his anger when they ran out of egg-salad sandwiches in the afternoon. And now my fondest memory of Germany . . . . my time with Ray Englert. I think it goes without saying that almost every GI “buddies up” with one person. Mine, while I was there, was Ray. I shared many beverages with him, way too many. I shared his happiness when he got his new teeth, and can still hear him saying that the Army was almost worth it now. I was with him during his time with the broken arm, and if memory serves me right, he got that sliding down the ice from the EM Club, unsuccessfully (See above.) Years ago, while on vacation in Pennsylvania, I drove to Ray’s hometown, located his phone number, and called him. It was not a good conversation, and I’m still not sure if it was Ray, or possibly his father. What can you tell me about his death; also the wedding picture that is posted with Jim Small. Now, as for me, I am that Ronald A Johnson that appears on the “Mox Nix” page. On the bottom, you have submitted a document labeled “2nd Lt. Flanagan signed orders 1968”. Under your name is mine. That’s me!!! Also, under “HQ Commo GI’s 1966-68” showing pictures 37-48, I am the person behind the “?”, between Mullins and McNeil. Also in the picture next to that one. I was only there for 8-9 months. I “came down on a levy” as the Army called it. I was sent to Viet Nam, but did not spend a full tour there, due to an unfortunate encounter with a poisonous snake. From Viet Nam, I was sent to Korea to finish my time. I was assigned to a restricted base, in the “5K Zone”, on the border. Not fun there either. After 33 months, I had my fill, and officially called it quits. I returned to Florida, went back to Winn-Dixie (where I worked during high school), and stayed with them for a total of 27 years. I tried to retire, but got bored, and went to work for a brokerage firm up until several years ago. I now do nothing but bitch, gripe, reminisce, and look for life’s wrong doings. Like you, and many, many others, I am seriously proud to have served my country. Patriotism runs deep in my blood, and I still get cold chills when I hear the National Anthem. I am not ashamed to say that, and I will still stand my big ass up and fight for our rights as Americans. “Taps” brings tears to my eyes, and the flag flies at my residence on military occasions. I am so interested in hearing anything about Englert. My phone # is (813) 949-3276. A call would be deeply appreciated. As far as Deitz goes: I recall, very, very clearly, that he was, without a doubt, the Champion _______ on the entire floor. I still have visions of a “sloshed” Deitz, lying on his back - - Geez - - what memories!!! --Sections removed before posting, we did not want to post this for all to see-- So, in closing, MISTER Deitz, I thank you for the memories you have returned to me, and I commend all you have, and are doing, toward the placement of the memorial. Ron Johnson Sgt E-5 1966-1969 Contented Civilian 1970 - Present

Tuesday 02nd 2009f June 2009 10:05:00 PM

The 3 Squadron Armored Cav Memorial, Bad Hersfeld

Greetings Fellow Troopers........ Don't You Feel It's About Time We Had A 14th/11th ACR Memorial Stone In Bad Hersfeld?......... In May 2005 I like many other former GI’s returned to Bad Hersfeld on holiday with my family to visit where I served in the Army. I was sadden, disappointed that there was nothing there acknowledging or past presents......... In 2005 I came up with the idea to have a monument erect in Hersfeld to Honor all who severed with the 3rd Sq. The installation of a memorial would not only honor those who served there. It would also be there to educate others of the Kaserne’s history. A reminder to let people know that the U.S. Army was in Bad Hersfeld during the cold war......... With the help of Mrs. Renate Stieber and Thomas Schossow of Germany, We have received approval from the Bad Hersfeld Government to have a Memorial Stone place at the former Kaserne......... The act of raising money for this project is underway. The plaque would be mounted on a stone, set on the former grounds, where the flag pole use to be in front of the HQ building. To help get the word out, please call/email others about this. A notice has been posted on the Black Horse and the 14th Cav's web page to call attention to OUR Memorial project. "Hope you get good support." Mack VanHook 3/2007......... This is considered a 3d Squadron project, because the Regiment already has erected a memorial in Fulda. As a result of a 'lot' of help, donations by 'many others' we will have a reunion, dedication in June 2009 for our Memorial gdeitz@charter.net

Thursday 19th 2009f March 2009 07:08:00 PM

By: Joe Walker 11th ACR

By: Joe Walker 11th ACR Joe Walker 12/14/08 former GI 3rd Sq 11th ACR Bad Hersfed = K Troop in 1981 & 1982. Gaither, you were there for 30 months and I for 16 months. What is it about that place (Bad Hersfeld) that has always stuck to us? For me I think it was the very hard work we did, we had a real mission and the teamwork 'we had' together. My first day I arrived at McPheeters was afternoon. What I saw as I walked through the main gate was guys walking around in full MOP gear. I had never even put on the shoes much less the full gear. Then I saw another guy blind folded assembling a weapon, an M60 I think. They were all doing what we had trained for in the states but on a totally different level than I had ever seen. I was intimidated at first. I grew up within 48 hours of being there. The next morning at 4 am we had an alert. I didn't have any TA50 issued yet, we went to the motor pool and loaded all the weapons. The guys who had been there for any length of time were saying that as soon as the Colonel got there we would stand down. Then the colonel gets there, opens the back gate of the motor pool and we start leaving but headed in the opposite direction of the border at which time I was told we were heading back to the ammo dump. We did but when we got there the NCO's started cutting off the locks to the doors and yelled at everyone to load gull ammo. Now they have got me going, my adrenaline was through the roof, I was thinking "oh man, I just got here, I was with mom less than 48 hours ago and now I may never see her again. Then it was time for war in my mind. All the other guys were thinking the same way I was as were were loading. Finally the Captain pulled up and told us to get into formation and then we knew it was not real. Captain Bolton was wanting to go to war. He was crazy. He put a soldier next to me in tears during the inspection because he had a spot of rust on his magazine. I can guarantee you my magazine never had rust on it. I had a blast while I was there, never slept much because I was downtown with the girls. LOL I spent my time at OP Romeo in the tower as the radio operator and forward observer at the GDR Fence line. LOL

Thursday 19th 2009f March 2009 07:07:00 PM

11th Cav Sports By Bama

----- Original Message ----- From: joewalker4@msn.com Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 > In 1981, K Troop had a softball team as well as all the other units. We won the base championship and moved on to play the Regimental Tournament. We lost our first game to HQ from Fulda and they started talking smack. Our minds and hearts were set, we didnt care what we had to do but we only wanted to play them again. Well, as fate would have it we did see them again, in the finals. We totally dominated them even though we had to play 7 straight games back to back to do it and we were Regimental champions. We then moved on the the V corp championships in Frankfurt. There were only 4 team in this and the winner was going to have an opportunity to play the all army team and I wanted it badly. We won our first game and then played 97th General Hospital. We won and people walked over to us in unbelief because 97th had not lost a game all year, they were 42 & 0 in the won and lost column. Well, we made them mad and they came back and hammered us 11 - 2 two straight games. We finished second in the V corp. Not too bad for K Troop from Bad Hersfeld. We were Base champs, Regimental champs and runner up in the V corp. I was voted the MVP for the base and in the Regimental tournament. I just thought some guys might like to read this. joe Walker AKA Bama

Tuesday 24th 2009f February 2009 05:33:00 PM

Hans A. Bieber 1936

I was born and raised in Germany. I was born in Niederaula a small town southwest of Bad Hersfeld and in "1936" we moved to Bad Hersfeld and my Dad became the supervisor of the boilerroom in the Kaserne. We lived there until the U.S. Army took over in 1945. Later I worked in the Kaserne for the Constabulary and the 14th Armored Cavalry. I worked in the Motor Pool and after a RIF I was a kitchenhelper. Then a clerk in the Civilian Personell Office in Hersfeld and Kassel and then back to Bad Hersfeld as interpreter for the 709th MP Battl. Frankfurt, Hersfeld Detachment. I love your website and the pictures. I now live in Denver, CO since 1955. Hans A. Bieber

Thursday 18th 2008f December 2008 08:30:00 PM

The 3rd Sqdn ACR History

In 1972 the colors of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment were retired and the troopers found themselves as members of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. From there, a new generation of soldiers accepted the challenge and carried on the distinguished traditions of the first guardians on the Frontier of Freedom. The 11th Cav was present until 1989. In 1989 the McPheeters Kaserne was turned over to the people of Germany. *This web site changes at unknown times, so come back to keep up-to-date. To view Photos, just click on "Pictures" Then click on a photo to view. New photos are placed on the front page for a few day then they are relocated. Send me a photo of yourself while stationed in Bad Hersfeld and it will be posted with your information.

Friday 21st 2008f March 2008 08:55:00 AM