by R. W. Rynerson — U.S. Army Berlin Brigade — 1969-71

As the sealed military train rolled through the Iron Curtain — otherwise known here as the “GDR National Frontier” — one entered a strange world where as H.-R. Karutz of Die Welt observed everyday politics were suspended for the longest “pause” in European history.

Only one thing was certain at the now almost forgotten midpoint of the Cold War. Berlin would remain Berlin, full of wry humor, witze, energy, with outbreaks of beauty and creativity. But — under which government?

And what would the price of that be? Psychological wear and tear? Dollars, marks, rubles, pounds or francs? This website is a place to find answers and to raise new questions.

Ring the Alert Bell in Andrews Barracks.

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