In 1953, a recently married 21 year old from Tower City, Pennsylvania graduated from trade school. Life was good and his future was taking shape. His priorities were clear…find a good paying job in his trade, save some money for a house, and most importantly do everything he could to prepare and provide for his new family. He was soon going to be a father!
Circumstances then changed in an instant when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and given orders to move to Augsburg, Germany where allied forces still maintained a sizable occupation/reconstruction force. Permission was granted for him to come back to Pennsylvania and meet his son shortly after he was born, but he would then not see his family again for 18 months following the completion of his tour in Germany.
That man is my Pap.
My grandparents at St. Anne’s Church in Augsburg, Germany
Augsburg in the 1950s…
was a city strong defined by its military significance throughout history. Once a base for the German military prior to WWII, the U.S. army came to control the barracks (shortly after the defeat of Nazi Germany and throughout the early part of the Cold War).
Thousands of U.S. soldiers were stationed in Augsburg when my grandfather arrived at the Sheridan Kaserne base on the outskirts of town. His memories are still crystal clear – from the beautiful three-story barrack buildings with marble staircases to St. Anne’s church in the town center where Martin Luther resided in the early 1500’s. In his daily letters to his wife and newborn son back in the U.S., he wrote about the Augsburg confessions and how the church housed documents relating to the beginnings of the Reformation. (Augsburg.de history)
Augsburg Today
Since 1950, Augsburg’s population has grown by almost 100,000 people. Ongoing construction projects visible everywhere, we observed the tram tracks torn up in the center of town and detours around sections of the streets blocked off for renovations.
There is a large town center dominated by clothing stores and restaurants, colorful new houses and apartment complexes built in traditional German styles. The city is vibrant and alive.
My grandfather’s stories of old Augsburg helped me to visualize what the city must have been like in the past. But little physical proof remains today. Only one of the barrack buildings still exists (in the below picture), as the space is now being used for a brand new business and housing complex. St. Anne’s church remains, though that too is in the process of being restored and renovated to prepare for the future Augsburg.
No surprise that a lot can change in 60 years!
What remains of the Sheridan Kaserne base
Wiener Schnitzel and German Beer
Sometimes it’s the little things that matter the most. I loved watching my Pap’s satisfied look as he sipped on a German beer and enjoyed a huge plate of Wiener Schnitzel.
Just as wonderful was our stop off in Munich before flying back to London. At the Hofbrauhaus, we all laughed as we watched my Nana drink the biggest beer she ever had in her life, and munch on a pretzel the size of her face. Priceless!!
My Nana at Hofbrauhaus Munich
One of the highlights of our trip to Germany was the four hour long card tournament we played in the hotel lobby as my grandfather told stories from his army days. We probably didn’t need to go to Germany for that…but I’m happy I had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about their lives before their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren even existed.
Jim and I will never forget this journey. Hearing more of my grandparents’ experiences and life stories while we visited Germany only strengthened the gratitude I have for them, for their unwavering generosity and the wonderful example they continue to set for future generations of our family.
We love you, Nana and Pap. Thanks for making the trip across the pond!!
Jim and I in Munich, Germany with my grandparents
August 20, 2013 at 11:06 am
Hi Tanya,
Can you tell me what happened to Sheridan Kaserne? I get the idea that they conducted a major destruction of most of the solid barracks buildings from the 1930s.
Allen
August 20, 2013 at 11:43 am
Hi Allen. Yes you’re correct. Seems almost all of the solid barracks buildings were destroyed and in place they’re now creating a brand new office and apartment housing complex (looks like it is named SHERIDAN PARK, though). When we visited Augsburg we only were able to see the one remaining barrack building through the construction site, so it was very different from what my grandfather remembered.
January 27, 2015 at 5:57 pm
I was there in April 2013 and all that is left is the Chapel and the officers club and they will remain.
May 19, 2014 at 9:59 pm
enjoyed your pictures i was there 1954-1956 at infantry kaserne. i believe all the kasernes are gone since 1990s. it was pretty much in ruins when i was there but had a great time. glad to see that we are still standing.
July 14, 2014 at 2:14 pm
I was there at Sheridan from 1962/64 396 Transportation.i did enjoy my time there.From Tamaqua Pa.
January 11, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Thank you for sharing this story,it was special to me because I was born at US Army base Ausgusburg Germany. Many, many years ago. : )Like many military brats I haven’t been able to go back to that place where I was born. I’ve heard about it many times over the years from my parents and from other who where station there as well. This is the first time that I got to see some photos. That was nice! Thank you again.
July 28, 2015 at 9:19 am
I served at Flak and Sheridan kasernes with the U.S. Constabulary from 1948 to mid 1950’s then my unit, Tank Co. 3d Bn. 2d A/C (formerly C Trp, 68th Constabulary Sqdn) was transferred to Pond Barracks, Amberg, Germany. The Constabulary was deactivated in mid 1952 and some personnel were transferred to Baumholder and assigned to 2d Armored Div.
August 30, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Nov.29 1952, Married in the Chapel Reese Kaserne. Met my wife in Leipheim while the 2nd Bat. 109th Inf was stationed there.Went back several times the last was 2012. Leipheim nothing there. Augsburg my old Kaserne now is apartments for civilians. And the city over crowed hard to find parking. But the beer and the food has not changed to make the trip worthwhile. For any guys in the 628th tank Bat. My wife was the pretty blonde {Evelyn} librarian on post. The 2 years i spent in the military was most rewarding for me. It made me a man a husband and a father. And at age 86 a bounty of great memories.
March 21, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Taking my Dad there this summer. He’ in his 80’s and was there in the military in the 50’s. Any tips or hints are appreciated. Anyone who knows him (same last name) ,please send info.
March 22, 2016 at 10:48 am
Hope it’s a great trip for you and your dad. My grandfather has a wonderful memory but was shocked by how different it looks. A lot can change in 60+ years. I was only there for two nights so don’t have too many other tips/hints about the city, unfortunately. But hopefully others who read this blog may be able to give you some more information before your trip. Thanks.
July 21, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Just seeing your response now as am nearby and going in the next few days. Thank you.
November 20, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Yes all barracks now appartments for civilian. The old “Flak Kaserne” is total scrabbed. Leipheim I know very well.
November 24, 2015 at 8:59 am
My grandfather was in the 11th airborne and was stationed in Augsburg. Does anyone have good resources on finding his records or pictures?
November 20, 2016 at 4:38 pm
I am from Ausgburg. I know a guy who was in the end 50ties in the 11th in Ausgburg. Maybe he can help.
June 18, 2017 at 12:50 pm
What a treasure! My dad was stationed in Augsburg from 1951-53. He never talked about the war (similar to many other men who served their country) but compiled beautiful scrapbooks my siblings and I treasure. I made copies of all his pictures a few years ago and made my own scrapbook, complete with his notes and captions. (He had a pretty good sense of humor despite being 20 years old, 10,000 miles away from home and probably lonely! He learned his trade, x-ray technician in the Army. I posted a picture of my dad on Facebook for Father’s Day and Googled Augsburg Germany Army base and happened upon your post. Thank you!
September 18, 2017 at 12:10 am
I was stationed in Germany from November 1966 to November 1967 at Sheridan Kaserne. I was a radio operator with the 2nd battalion 70th Armor.
I was sent to Vietnam in January 1968 and got out of the Army in 1970.
the pictures of you and your grandfather in Augsburg, Germany brought back
a lot of happy and sad memories…… and made my eyes water a little bit.
something only a soldier can understand. For so many years i wanted to to back to Augsburg to visit Sheridan, but i hear it no longer exists. It seems so sad
and unfair. it was my home for over a year and then off to the Vietnam War we went. I met one of my buddies who served with me at Sheridan in Augsburg in Vietnam one hot summer day. He said others also got sent to Vietnam.
Thanks for the Augsburg pictures and article.
with abiding respect,
john campos
La Junta, Colorado
March 27, 2018 at 12:18 am
Tanya,
I was on the net looking for memories of Augsburg and came across your story.
Thank you for what you did for your veteran grandfather. I think I know what he was feeling.
Whether in the 1940’s, 50’s or 90’s, Augsburg was magical for all of us who were stationed there as I’m sure your grand Dad will attest. I was there from 1990-1998. Deployed to the Gulf war from Augsburg 1990-91 and the German folks took great care of our families in our absence.I didn’t want to leave and didn’t until it was practically shut down. My daughters grew up there and it was sad for all of us to watch the Army community literally whither away around us.
So happy you could experience some of what your grand father holds dear.