Posted on 2005-06-18 14:56:00
"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