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6960th
& 6961st Civilian Labor Groups
Seventh Army
Looking for more information from military/civilian
personnel assigned to or associated with the U.S. Army
in Germany from 1945 to 1989. If you have any
stories or thoughts on the subject, please contact me.
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7972nd LSC History |
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1950 - 1959 |
(Source: Email from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
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The 7972nd Labor Supervision Center, a US Army organization, with apprx. 20 Officers and NCO’s, was one of several LSC’s with the mission of controlling and assisting Labor Service units.
Sgt Hutchins served with the 7972th from Nov 1951 – Feb 1953 as supervisor with the 8541th in Ettlingen, Rhineland- Kaserne.
Photo (left) shows LtCol Lynn in the field HQ during the Flood Relief Operation in the Netherlands in Feb 1953. |
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1950 |
Sept -- Activation in Eschborn near Frankfurt; CO was LtCol Lynn. Recruitment of LS Personnel by 1stLt Coleman and one Sgt. |
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1951 |
Apr -- Relocation to Bensheim-Auerbach; stationed in Hotel “Krone” together with 8540th LS Engr DUKW Co.
7972th LSC Headquarters Hotel “Krone;” CO: LtCol Lynn
Detachment Bensheim (8540th); CO: Maj Frank
Detachment Ettlingen (8541th); CO: Capt Wilcoxson; (1953) CO: Capt Massengill
Detachment Rüsselsheim (8542nd) CO: ? |
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1953 |
Feb -- 7972nd together with 8540th and 8542nd employment during the flood relief operation in Netherland. (See USAREUR History Office) |
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1953 |
Apr -- New CO: Maj George A. Worth |
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1953 |
May -- NCO School for Labor Service personnel in Bensheim |
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1953 |
Aug -- Relocation from Hotel “Krone” to Bensheim, Rheinstr. (a small former German army compound) and withdrawal of Detachments from LS-Companies |
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1954 |
Redesignated 116th Labor Supervision Center; new CO: Capt Harold D. Young |
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1958 |
Redesignated 47th Labor Supervision District; new CO: Capt Kiblinger |
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1959 |
Aug -- Deactivation along with the formation of the two Labor Service Battalions 6960th CLG & 6961st CLG which were placed under the command of 11th Engr Gp and 555th Engr Gp, respectively. |
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1953 |
(Source: US Military Flood Relief Operations in the Netherlands, USAREUR Historical Division, Karlsruhe, 1953) |
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6960th
CLG History |
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1950
- 1965 |
6960th CLG Patch |
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(Source: Email from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
6960th LS Battalion UNIT HISTORY
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1950 |
The following Labor Service engineer units are formed at Eschborn, Germany :
8540th, 8541st and 8542nd LS Engineer Amphibious Truck Company.
These units are equipped with the
Truck 2 1/2 ton, 6x6, Amphibian , commonly known as the DUKW. |
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1951 |
The three units are relocated:
The 8540th moves to Bensheim-Auerbach; the 8541st to Ettlingen; and the 8542nd to Rüsselsheim. |
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1953 |
Two of the units (8540th and 8542nd) participate in the flood relief operations in the Netherlands. |
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1953 |
The 6960th Labor Service Engineer Battalion is formed and the following units are attached:
8540th LS Engineer Amphibious Truck Company
8541st LS Engineer Amphibious Truck Company
8542nd LS Engineer Amphibious Truck Company
8591st LS Float Bridge Company (Lithuanian), Schwetzingen
8592nd LS Engineer Bridge Maintenance Platoon, Schwetzingen |
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1955 |
The 8595th LS Engineer Bridge Maintenance Pltn is formed at Neureut and attached to the 6960th LS Engr Bn. |
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Aerial photo (USAFE) of the Gernsheim swing bridge site, mid-1950s (Webmaster's collection) |
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1958 |
The 6960th LS Engr Bn takes over operation of six swing bridges previously operated by US Army engineer units. The bridges are located at:
Leimersheim
Germersheim
Rheinhausen
Brühl
Gernsheim
Nierstein |
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1959 |
The 6960th LS Engr Bn is reorganized and redesignated as the Directorate, 6960th Civilian Labor Group (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security). The following units are subordinate to the unit:
8542nd CL Group (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security)
8591st LS Company (Lith) (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security) (1)
8592nd LS Company (Lith) (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security) (1)
The 6960th was attached to the 11th Engineer Combat Group in Schwetzingen.
Concurrent with the above changes, the Directorate, 6961st CLG (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security) was formed and the following units attached to it:
8540th CL Group (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security)
8541st CL Group (Swing Bridge Maintenance and Security)
8594th CLG Company (Engineer Float Bridge)
The 6961st was attached to the 555th Engr Cbt Gp in Karlsruhe.
The 8595th LS Pltn was disbanded. |
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1960/61 |
The 6960th designs and constructs - using old heavy equipment from the Wehrmacht engineers - twelve MLC 100 ferries. Construction site was the Rheinauhafen in Mannheim and the ferries were put into operation at the six swing bridge sites. |
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1964 |
All of the DUWKs used by the engineer units are returned to Army depots. Discussions are initiated with the German Territorial Command to transfer the swing bridges and associated equipment to the Bundeswehr. |
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1965 |
The 6960th and 6961st (minus the 8591st, 8592nd and 8594th companies) are transferred with personnel and equipment to the Bundeswehr. |
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(Source: 40 Jahre Schwimmbrückenbataillon 850 - Chronik der "Auerbacher Pioniere," by Alexander Klemm, 1990) |
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A unit history of the Labor Service DUKW units that were formed in September 1950 as Labor Service Amphibious Truck Companies. Several of these would later be grouped together under the 6960th Civilian Labor Group.
This book covers the histories of the 6960th and its subordinate units from the beginning in 1950/51 until 1965 when the battalion's mission was assumed by the German Army. It then continues with the history of the newly formed 715th Heavy Engr Bn (German Army) which assumed the mission from the 6960th and its successor units, the 880th Heavy Float Bridge Engineer Bn (1976) and the 850th Float Bridge Engr Bn (1981). |
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(Source: Official website of the German Bundeswehr - www.bundeswehr.de) |
Schwere Pionierbataillon 715
Effective Jan 1 1965, the 6960th LS Battalion (Swing Bridge M&S) was transferred to the German Bundeswehr and reorganized and redesignated as the 715th Heavy Engineer Battalion (Schwere Pionierbataillon 715). The battalion remained stationed in Bensheim, Germany.
At some point prior to 1981, the battalion was redesignated as the Schwere Schwimmbrückenbataillon 880 (880th Heavy Swing Bridge Battalion). The unit remained in Bensheim.
In 1981, the battalion was moved to Pfungstadt, Germany. The battalion was reorganized and redesignated as the Schwimmbrückenbataillon 850 (850th Swing Bridge Battalion). Mission of the battalion was to support river-crossing operations on the Rhine River through the operation and security of swing bridges at fixed locations (Kornsand near Oppenheim, Leimersheim, Rheinhausen, Eich, Brühl and Germersheim) and military ferries. |
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(Source: Email
from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
I was member
of the 8594th Labor Service Float Bridge Co stationed in NEUREUT near
KARLSRUHE in GERMANY. Later I was in the 8595th LS Bridge Maintenance
Platoon. I was the Supply Sergeant in both units. Both units consisted
of 100% German civilians.
The Neureut Kaserne was divided into two separate camps. One was occupied
by the US Army and consisted of the standard German, two-story barracks
buildings. The other camp, primarily one-floor buildings (see photo
#4), was used by the Labor Service: 6980th LS Signal Construction
Bn, 6981st LS Signal Construction Bn, 8594th LS Float Bridge Co and
8595th LS Bridge Maintenance Platoon. |
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ORGANIZATION
(late 1950s): |
UNIT
DESIGNATION
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LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
6960th
CLG Amphibious Truck Bn |
Bensheim
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8540th
CLG Amphibious Truck Co |
Bensheim
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8541th
CLG Amphibious Truck Co |
Ettlingen
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8542nd
CLG Amphibious Truck Co |
Rüsselsheim
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8591st
CLG Float Brg Co |
Schwetzingen
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8592nd
CLG Brg Maint Platoon |
Schwetzingen
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operated
Bridge Park |
8595th
CLG Brg Maint Platoon |
Neureut
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activated
1957 at NEUREUT; CO: 1stLt Karl H Bacher |
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Originally, several
units of the 6960th were equipped with DUKWs (official: Truck 2 1/2
ton, 6x6, Amphibian) which were used for moving equipment and personnel
across the RHINE RIVER. One of the DUKWs was restored by mechanics
of the German Army (former personnel from CLG) in 1990 and can be
viewed at the famous technical museum in SINSHEIM. 144 DUKWs were
turned in during 1964.
In 1958,
the 6960th with the 8540th, 8541st, and 8542nd CLGs took over 6 swing
bridges from US units along RHINE river at LEIMERSHEIM, GERMERSHEIM,
RHEINHAUSEN, BRÜHL, GERNSHEIM and NIERSTEIN. The 6960th was renamed
6960th Directorate, Swing Bridge Maintenance & Security; the 8540th,
8541st and 8542nd CLG Amphibious Truck companies were redesignated
CLG (Swing Brg Maint & Security).
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In 1959, the CLGs were reorganized: the 6960th CLG Bn was placed
under the 11th Engr Gp and the newly activated 6961st CLG Bn
under the 555th Engr Gp.
(Webmaster Note: See also historical information on the
499th Engr
Bn Page and 78th Engr Bn Page.)
Photo: The two sections of the swing bridge at Gernsheim
being pivoted towards the middle of the Rhine River where they
will be pinned together to allow vehicles to cross. |
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Swing
Bridge MLC 100, Bailey Triple/Single on
pontoons
The swing bridge consisted of two separate sections supported
by pontoons, installed on opposite banks at the crossing site.
The pontoons of the Swing
Bridge MLC 100 were constructed at German shipyards.
The superstructure was built by US engineers and was continuously
improved upon during the years. A pivot pile driven into the
river bed on one end of each bridge section allowed the section
to rotate in a horizontal plane out into the river. (See photo
#1 where the pivot piles for both sections are clearly
visible)
In the "open" position, the bridge sections were
tied down and left to float in the calm waters near the river's
banks thus permitting passage of marine traffic on the river.
To "close" the bridge, each section was "swung"
out into the middle of the river using the powerful outboard
motors (3-4 per section) mounted on the pontoons. Once the
two sections were combined using chain hoists, they were pinned
together. Ramps were then lowered on both ends to the river
banks and the bridge was ready to be used for vehicular traffic.
The whole process took about an hour to complete.
In addition to the swing bridge, there were two Class 100
Heavy Rafts at each crossing site. These rafts were designed
by the 8591st LS Co and constructed at the Rheinauhafen in
Mannheim. Components of the bridge superstructure were assembled
from former German Wehrmacht bridging equipment that had been
kept in storage after the war.
Wooden barracks (built on stilts to protect them from periodic
floods) were constructed at each crossing site to provide
billets for a security platoon of labor service personnel
stationed at each site. |
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The swim bridges
were originally put in place as part of the implementation of plans
for the emergency evacuation of US dependents and other noncombatants
(NEO - Noncombatant Evacuation Order) to staging areas in France in
the event of hostilities. These crossing sites would be used by the
US civilians to bypass the major Rhine bridges that could be expected
to be clogged in an emergency with military and civilian traffic.
Route plans to the individual crossing sites were posted throughout
the dependent housing areas in Germany. In later years, as NATO increased
its early warning capabilities, NEO planning changed and became less
reliant on these alternate crossing points. The mission of the swim
bridges changed to supporting the lines of communication between communications
zone and combat zone.
ORGANIZATION (6960th CLG Bn, 1959):
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UNIT
DESIGNATION
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LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
6960th
CLG Bn |
Bensheim
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8542nd
CLG Co |
Rüsselsheim
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8591st
CLG Float Brg Co |
Schwetzingen
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8592nd
CLG Brg Maint Platoon |
Schwetzingen
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In 1965, the swing bridges were turned over to the German Army together
with the civilian labor personel of the deactivated 6960th and 6961st
battalions. The 8591st, 8592nd and 8594th CLGs remained active.
The 8595th was deactivated in 1959.
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1.
Class 100 bridge at Leimersheim
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2.
A different view of the Class 100 bridge
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3.
Swing bridge at Gernsheim |
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4.
CO of the 8594th greets visiting Army officers
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5.
DUKW reaches right bank at Bridge Site Brühl
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6.
A DUKW reaches dry land |
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7.
8540th LS Co motor pool at Auerbach, 1952 |
8.
US engineers build Class 60 float bridge at Rheinhausen |
9.
A cargo truck of 8594th CLG near Kitzingen |
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10.
Pontoons under maintenance
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11.
Left shore, Gernsheim) |
12.
Right
shore, Gernsheim |
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13.
MLC 100 heavy raft of the Bundeswehr
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14.
280mm gun crosses over Rhein on swing bridge at Gernsheim
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15.
Light artillery drives onto an MLC 100 heavy raft
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16.
Three MLC 100 rafts on the left bank at Bridge Site Gernsheim
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17.
Günter Oswald and friends inspect a swing bridge
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(Source: Email
from Ivan Hutchins, ) |
I was assigned
by the U.S. 7th Army (in 1951-52) to its 7972nd
German Labor Service (GLS) Hq., with the 4041; 4042;
& 4043 DUKW Companies being attached thereto. I served 6 months in
each of the three above mentioned German Companies as one of their
American Army Supervisors.
The American Commanding Officer of the 7972nd at that time was a Major
Frank. I was one of two American military supervisors to arrive in
Ettlingen (8541st) in early 1951, the other supervisor was a Captain
H.E. Wilcoxson who arrived perhaps two months after me in January
1952. 6 Months later, we were both rotated to one of the other Companies.
I went to the Russelsheim (8542nd), and the Captain was sent to the
8540th. The 40th shared office space with the 7972nd at the old Krone
Hotel, in Bensheim during that period.
I returned Stateside to my old position at Lakeside Airport, in Illinois;
where I'd been a pilot prior to, and after my tour of duty in the
U.S. Army. I have held a pilots license now for the past 57 years;
having soloed at the age of 16 in 1947.
Question 1: Wasn't Captain Georg Zimmermann the C.O. at the
Bensheim Labor Service Company during that period I was there, and
wasn't Captain Hermann Koegler the C.O. during that period I was there
in 1952?
Question 2: As I recall (perhaps I'm mistaken about this in
my old age; I'm now 74) these Companies (8540th; 8541st; and 8542nd)
were numbered 4041st, 4042nd, 4043rd at that time (1951-52-53)?
The Companies were DUKW units! I retured Stateside in August 1953,
being last stationed at Schwetzingen. I would appreciate any information
concerning these DUKW Companies during that time period (1951-53).
Further, if any of the officer's of those several German Labor Service
Companies would like to contact me they may feel free to do so.
Ivan Hutchins |
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(Source: Photos
sent in by Herbert Hept; text submitted by Günter Oswald) |
The End of
an Era
Between 1998 and 1999, six of the bridges and 12 ferries were sold
to a company in Holland und disassembled at the river training site
at Reffenthal near Speyer. They were loaded, with all machines and
equipment including the pontoons, onto ships and transported to Holland.
The bridges and ferries were then sold to companies in Paraguay, Brasil
and in Afrika. Mr. Oswald was able to obtain this information in the
course of an interview in 2004 with Mr Silber, who was a former ferry
commander in Bundeswehr and had also served as the last BODAN
ferry commander. Mr. Silber had been engaged by the dutch company
as a specialist during the disassembly work on the equipment. |
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1.
Class 100 swing bridge at Brühl, 1996
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2.
View of the Brühl bridge site
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3.
Swing bridge at Nierstein |
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4.
Access ramp with swing bridge at Nierstein |
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(Source: TOWN
CRIER, April 3, 1987) |
8592nd CLG
In 1957, the 8592d CSG operating the USAREUR and 7th Army Bridge
Park, was attached to the 521st Engr Gp (Maint & Supply), 7th
Army.
In 1965, the 8592d transferred to the 11th Engr Gp (Combat), 7th Army.
In 1969, the 11th Engr Gp was deactivated and the 8592d CSC became
part of the 549th Engr Bn, 130th Engr Bde.
On April 1, 1978 the 8592d CSG was transferred from 549th Engr Bn
to the 21st SUPCOM and was placed under General Support Center Germersheim.
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(Source: Email
from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
8595th CLG
The 8595th LS Bridge Maintenance Platoon was activated in 1954 in
Neureut and attached to the 6960 LS Bn.
The mission of the 8595th was to provide specialized technical support
to the 6 swing Bridges operated by US Engineers at that time. See
Picture 10.
CO was 1st Lt Karl Ruehl transferred from 6970th CLG followed in 1956
by 1st Lt Karl H Bacher.
1956 Change of unit designation from LS (Labor Service) to CLG (Civilian
Labor Group)
With activation of 6960th and 6961st the Platoon was deactivated in
1959. |
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6961st
CLG History |
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1959
- 1965 |
6961st CLG Patch |
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(Source: Email
from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
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The
history of the 6961st Civilian
Labor Group (Swing Brg Maint & Scty) is highlighted
by three major events:
- The activation
of four Engineer Labor Service units in the early 1950's;
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The turning over of six Swing Bridges (built
and maintained by US Engineers along the Rhine River)
in 1958 to Labor Service Engineers, and
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The decision by 7th Army to split up the responsibility for the
six bridges among two Labor Service battalions.
At that time, one Battalion already existed: the 6960th Labor Service
Amphibious Battalion, renamed in 1959 to 6960th Directorate (Swing
Brg Maint & Scty) with CO LtCol Schmidt under 11th EngrGp.
At the same time the 6961st Directorate (Swing Brg Maint & Scty)
was activated under the 555th Engr Gp. Commanding Officer was LtCol
Wilhelm A Sigmund (former CO of 8594th LS Float Brg Co).
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ORGANIZATION
(6961st CLG Bn, 1959):
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UNIT
DESIGNATION
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LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
6961st
CLG Bn |
Ettlingen
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8540th
CLG Co (SwingBrgMaint&Scty) |
Bensheim
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activated
in 1950 as 8540th LS AmphibiousTruck Co;
CO:
Capt Georg Zimmermann |
8541th
CLG Co (SwingBrgMaint&Scty) |
Ettlingen
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activated
in 1950 as 8541st LS AmphibiousTruck Co;
CO: Capt Hermann Koegler |
8594th
CLG Float Brg Co |
Neureut
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operated
the Class 60 Float Bridge; activated
in 1952 at the MURNAU Engr School and transferred to NEUREUT
in 1953) CO: Capt Ferdinand Skalitzky |
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While the 8594th continued its mission of Bridge training with
US Combat Engineers
using the Class 60 Float Bridge
along the Rhine and Danube Rivers, the 8540th and 8541st took over
four of the six Swing Bridges as follows:
Bridge
Site LEIMERSHEIM - 1st Platoon, 8541st, Platoon Leader 1stLt
Leo Ehleider
Bridge
Site GERMERSHEIM - 2nd Platoon, 8541st, Platoon Leader 1stLt
Hans D Stelke
Bridge
Site RHEINHAUSEN - 1st Platoon , 8540th, Platoon Leader 1stLt
Seidensticker
Bridge
Site BRUEHL - 2nd Platoon, 8540th, Platoon Leader 1stLt Ekkehard
Wagner
The mission of the 8595th was to provide specialized technical support
to the Swing Bridges.
Each Bridge Site consisted of one Swing Bridge MLC 100, 2 heavy
rafts MLC 100, 2 Powerboats 27ft, and a certain contingent of Amphibious
Trucks. The platoon operating the site was housed in wooden barracks
on piles complete with mess, orderly room, sanitation, motor pool
and so on. The sites were not fenced in, however they were guarded
by personnel stationed there.
The same setup applies to the Bridge Sites at GERNSHEIM and
NIERSTEIN which were operated by platoons of the 8542nd under
the 6960th Directorate. There are however three major differences:
While five Swing Bridges had Bailey superstructure, the bridge at
GERMERSHEIM had a steelweb superstructure. While 5 of the bridge
sites are located on the western (left) shore of the Rhine River,
Bridge Site NIERSTEIN was located on the eastern (right) shore.
And also at NIERSTEIN, instead
of using the pivot piles, a telescope arm was used for
technical reasons.
Regularly, once a month, on a Sunday morning the river was closed
to ship traffic by German Authorities (Wasserschiffahrts Direktion)
and the bridges were closed - mostly operated by US Engineers and
together with German personal. The procedure for river closing was:
a unit asks higher headquarters that the river be closed between
Rhine-Km 310.4 and 312.0 on a certain date and time. This request
is forwarded thru the chain of command to the American Embassy in
Bonn. They in turn ask the German Ministry of Traffic who than will
give orders to the "Wasserschiffahrtsdirektion" in Mainz. Information
pertaining to the closing is then given to radio stations, waterpolice
and some civilian organisations who work with Rhine River shipping,
one week prior to the event. Approximately 500 m upstream and downstream
of the bridge site on the left and right banks traffic
signs with red lights
are installed informing ships to stop. In addition,
water police are positioned with their boats upstream and downstream.
Only after receiving their OK, can the bridge commander start with
the bridge closure. This routine was strictly kept until 1965.
Any bridge "deadlined" (inoperable) for more than 12 hours
caused reports, hectic questions from higher headquarters, in short
such events were unthinkable. Deadlining
could be caused by
fuel lines (of engines) being clogged, outboard engines of the "Mules"
that would not start because of low batteries, wires that were broken
and so on. Despite being build very ruggedly, incidents that occurred
once
or twice a year
could cause serious damage to the half bridges moored
along the banks
of the river when captains
of civilian ships ran into them due
to fog, drunkeness or misorientation.
In 1965 the 6960th and 6961st - without 8591, 8594 and 8592 - were
deactivated and the bridges and rafts were turned over to the German
Army including personnel to form one Engineer Bataillon, which was
deactivated 1993.
Though it was said that the worst crime within the army was to hand
out pencil and paper to engineers, we are still proud of having
done a good job, not only by supporting the US Army but also in
helping defend the peace in Europe during the Cold War.
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If you have more
information on the history or organization of the 6961st CLG, please
contact me. |
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8540th LS Amphibious Truck Company |
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A DUKW from the 8540th LS Co negotiates the rocky embankment of the Rhine River
as it
exits the river during a bridging exercise. |
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8542nd LS Amphibious Truck Company |
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A member of the 8542nd LS Co lifts a 169th Inf Regt jeep with
the help
of an "A" frame and
the DUKW's
power winch in preparation
to loading the vehicle into the DUKW's cargo space. |
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Operations continue as other jeeps line up for loading onto 8542nd DUKWs. |
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1. DUKW enters river . |
2. DUKW fully afloat. |
3. Several DUKWs during a river crossing exercise. |
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4. Bridge training area? |
5. Bridge training area? |
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(Source: Email from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
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1st Lt Heinrich Scheffler, Motor Officer of the 8542nd LS Amphibious Truck Co reports that a LARC-V was delivered to the unit in Ruesselsheim vor evaluation tests on the Rhine River. The US Army trainer who was responsible for training the drivers of the LARC during the trials SFC Toepfer.
The LARC-V performed well during the tests and was returned to the US Army after one year.
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In the photo on the left, the Chief Engineer, 7th Army (leaning into the cabin) and several members of the Labor Service organization take a closer look at the LARC-V.
BTW, 53 LARC-V's were delivered to the Bundeswehr "Amphibisches Transportbattailon 2" und "4" in Emden in the 1963/64 timeframe. |
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8592nd Civilian Support Group (Maint GS/DS, Bridge Park) |
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8592nd Civilian Support Group patch |
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8594th
CLG |
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1951
- 1991 |
(Source: Email
from Günter Oswald, 8594th LS Co; 8595th LS Pltn) |
8594th
Civilian Support Group Patch |
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8594th CLG
HISTORY
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1950 |
The 8502nd
LS Co (Engr Const) was activated in Eschborn near Frankfurt
and assigned to the 6970th LS Center. |
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1951
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On March
3, the 2nd and 3rd Platoons were relocated to Griesheim near
Darmstadt and the rest of the company to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
In Griesheim and at the Bridge Training Area "Lampertheim"
near Mannheim, 1st Lt Russel from the Engineer School trained
the detachment in assembling the M4 Bridge and driving Powerboats.
On April 20, the platoons were relocated to Kimbro-Kaserne at
Murnau and placed under the command of 7710th EUCOM Engineer
School. At Staffelsee, a lake near Murnau, US-Engineers were
trained by Labor Service personnel in bridge construction and
Powerboat driving. |
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1952 |
On May
1, the Detachment 8502nd LS Engr Co was reorganized and constituted
as the 8594th Labor
Service Treadway Bridge Company with 5 officers
and 133 men. CO was Capt Wilhelm A Sigmund.
The M4 bridge was exchanged against the Class 60 Float Bridge,
and on Sep 3, the company was redesignated as the 8594th
LS Engr Float Bridge Co. |
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1954 |
The Engr
School discontinued bridge training and the company was relocated
to Ettlingen near Karlsruhe - initially for few month at Rheinland-Kaserne,
and then to Neureut-Kaserne, Neureut. The company is assigned
to the 555th Engineer Group with CO Col Linksweiler at Phillips-Bks
in Karlsruhe.
First bridge training at Bridge Training Area "Berghaeuser Altrhein"
near Speyer with the 1402nd Engr Bn. The 499th Engr Bn with
its swing bridges on Rhine river was supported with powerboats
during highwater. |
|
1955 |
The company
is redesignated from LS (= Labor Service) to CLG (= Civilian
Labor Group). Military ranks were substituted by paygrades (B-7
= 1st Lt) |
|
1955-1959 |
The company
participated in many excercises from company to battalion level
within 7th Engr Bde throughout Germany on the Rhine River, the
Main River and the Danube. |
|
1959 |
In August,
the Company was assigned as subordinate unit to the newly activated
6961st CLG (Swing Bridge Maint & Scy). The CO of the new Bn
was B-10 (Lt Col) Wilhelm A Sigmund former CO of the 8594th.
The XO of the company, B-9 (Maj) Ferdinand Skalitzky, became
CO. |
|
1960 |
The company
developed and constructed an adapter, the so-called "Marriage
Load," for M4T6 and Class 60 bridges, which became part of the
engineer equipment of the US Army. |
|
1960-1964 |
Many exercises
on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Participation in FTX
"Wintershield" in 1962 and "Big Lift" in 1963. |
|
1964 |
In August,
the 6961st CLG was deactivated and the 8594th CLG again became
a separate unit under the 555th Engr Gp.
The 3rd Engr Bn from Munich constructed a bridge on the Danube
river at a temperature of -20 F (!). At Rheinhausen, on the
Rhine River, the 78th Engr Bn constructed a Class 60 Bridge
in 1 hour and 47 minutes. |
|
1965-1969 |
Many exercises.
In 1966, a Class 60 Bridge was built across the Rhine River
at Bridge Training Area "Leeheim" together with the
8591st LS Flooat Bridge Co (Lithuanian). 90 bays to span 1350
feet. |
|
1969 |
On June
25, the 555th Engr Gp with CO Col Worthington was deactivated
and the 8594th CLG became subordinate to the newly reactivated
565th Engr Bn with CO Lt Col Bartow. |
|
1969-1978 |
Many exercises.
In 1970 participation in "Reforger III" near Kranzberg crossing
the Amper River with Class 60 and Trestle Bridges. In Jan 1973
"Reforger IV".
On May 13 1973, an FTX with 7th Engr Brig, CO Lt Col Hodgsen,
at Grossmehring. The 502nd Engr Co and 8594th CLG constructed
a Trestle Bridge across the Danube River. This should be the
longest Bridge of this kind ever built. Initiated by Capt Greene,
S-3, 565th.
Also in 1973, "Reforger V" at Altmuehl. In 1974, the company
was involved with fencing in the Ammo Depot Ansbach. Winter
training in Oberammergau and Chiemsee.
In 1975, "Reforger V" in the Wuerzburg Area. November 1975,
Neckar River crossing at Gundelsheim with the 9th Engr Bn. In
1976, Bridge Training with the 9th Engr Bn near Speyer and with
the 79th Engr Bn at Berghäuser Altrhein (Reffenthal). Participation
in FTX 7thEngr Brig on the Main River near Schweinfurt.
In 1977, "Reforger 77"; 1978, FTX 565th Engr Bn and FTX 237th
Engr Bn; "Reforger 78". In Oct 1978, the company was issued
the Ribbon Bridge and renamed 8594thCLG
Engr Ribbon Bridge Co. |
|
1978 |
Numerous
exercises. Transports of ammunition for 3rd Infantry Division;
"Reforger 79" on the Main River; Ribbon Bridge training with
502nd Engr Co at Leeheim. Crossed the 3/48 FA Bn with Ribbon
Bridge across Neckar River. |
|
1982 |
On January
16, the company was redesignated as the 8594th
CSG (Assault Float Bridge), under the "War
Host Nation Support" (WHNS) agreement. The company is now convertible
to Bundeswehr status in time of tension or war. The Bundeswehr
(German Army) designation was "Schwimmbrückenkompanie 4501";
the unit was subordinate to "Unterstützungskommando 5". (See
Picture #8, General Otis visits the 8594th, Jan 1988.) |
|
1983 |
CO of 8594th
CLG,B-9 (Maj) Ferdinand Skalitzky, retired. He was awarded the
"Superior Civilian Service Award" by Col Joseph E Oder, Commanding
Engr. New CO is B-9 (Maj) Hans Tollkuehn. |
|
1983-1991 |
As in the
years before, numerous maneuvres, FTX's, support of Reforger
activities, projects in helping civilian communities, were completed.
|
|
1991 |
On Sep
30, the 8594th CSG (AFB) was deactivated. The unit had served
the US Army for 40 years. Pass in review on 25 July 1991 (see
picture #9; Front, right, is B-9 (Maj) Tollkuehn). |
|
|
|
Unit Citations |
In 1959, best
unit within 7th (Army) Support Command at vehicle roadside spot inspection
In 1962, "Commendation for Merit" by Maj Gen William A Harris
In 1975, winner of the Commanding General`s VII Corps Maintenance
Excellence Award
In 1987, winner of the Commanding General`s VII Corps Supply Excellence
Award.
In 1987, runner-up for the Commanding General`s VII Corps Maintenance
Excellence Award
In 1988, winner of the CINC USAREUR Sword of Freedom Award for unit
maintenance excellence
In 1988, winner of the Commanding General`s VII Corps Maintenance
Excellence Award
In 1989, runner-up for the Commanding General`s VII Corps Supply Excellence
Award.
In 1989, runner-up for the Commanding General`s VII Corps Maintenance
Excellence Award
In 1990, winner of the CINC USAREUR Sword of Freedom Award for unit
maintenance excellence
In 1990, winner of the Commanding General`s VII Corps Supply Excellence
Award.
In 1990, runner-up for the CINC USAREUR Sword of Freedom Award unit
supply excellence
In 1990, winner of the Commanding General`s VII Corps Maintenance
Excellence Award
Also, the unit was awarded the 7th Engineer Brigade Certificate of
Achievement for Meritorious Service to the VII Corps and the Wartime
Host Nation Support Program.
Numerous letters of commendation from VII Corps, 3rd Infantry Division,
7th Engineer Brigade, and other commands.
The 8594th CSG was the overall champion in the Pontonier Stakes in
1989 (see medal below)
|
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7th Engineer
Brigade "Pontonier Stakes" Coin |
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1.
Bivouac at a sidearm of the Rhine River |
2.
Class 60 Float Bridge across the Neckar River |
3.
27 ft Powerboat |
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4.
Rafting a HAWK battery |
5.
Truck with a bay of Ribbon Bridge |
6.
Ribbon Bridge across the Neckar River
|
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7.
Bridge Erection Boat |
8.
Gen Glenn K. Otis |
9.
Deactivation |
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Related
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