Memorial 1944

The first Allied soldiers

The first Allied soldiers, who crossed the German frontier on the 11th September 1944, 96 days after the landing in Normandy, were:

  • Sgt. Warner W. Holzinger,
  • Cpl. Ralph E. Diven,
  • T/5 Coy T. Locke,
  • Pfc. William McColligan,
  • Pfc. George F.McNeal,
  • Pfc. Jesse Stevens
  • and the French Lieutenant Lionel Delille

From the 2nd train, Cavalry Company B85 Cavalry reconnaissance squad, 5th US Tank Division.

They advanced to Keppeshausen, watched the bunkers of the west wall near Waldhof, returned to Stolzembourg at about 6:15 pm, and made report to Lt. Loren L. Vipond. The news was sent to the headquarters of the 1st US Army, which informed the world that it had crossed the German frontier that evening.

They made their way to Keppeshausen, Germany, reconnoitered the pillboxes of the Siegfried Line near Waldhof, Germany, and returned at 18.15 hours to report to Lt. Loren L. Vipond. The information was radioed to the Headquarters of the 1. US Army, which flashed that night the news to the world that it had crossed the German border.

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