Visit a Battlefield

SS-Gruppenführer Odilo Globocnik’s Villa in Lublin

Lublin, Poland – SS-Gruppenführer Odilo Globocnik’s Villa

SS leaders lived like kings in the “Wild East.” Globocnik was in charge of “Operation Reinhard.” Rumors exist to this day that he skimmed valuables for himself before he sent confiscated goods to Berlin. He committed suicide in May 1945, just after capture by the British.

SS-Gruppenführer Odilo Globocnik’s Villa in Lublin2012-10-15T20:11:40-05:00

The “Final Solution” in Lublin, Poland – “Operation Reinhard” Headquarters

The “Final Solution” in Lublin, Poland – “Operation Reinhard” Headquarters

Lublin was a large center for the Nazi killing machine and in many ways remains similar in architecture to World War II.  This photo was taken in 2001.  In a very obscure area of the city is the remnants of the Lublin Airfield Camp used “Operation Reinhard.”  There is a small building there that is used as a workshop today.  During the operation, SS men used it to melt the gold out of teeth taken from the dead victims and formed the gold into small ingots to ship to Berlin.  It was widely rumored that not all valuables made it to the German capital.  An old building nearby served as the SS officers’cassino in 1942-1943.

The “Final Solution” in Lublin, Poland – “Operation Reinhard” Headquarters2016-03-02T21:24:57-06:00

Little Bighorn Company M, 7th Cavalry Timberline Position

Little Bighorn Company M Timberline Position

Company M troopers lay down along this line toward the large tree and fired to their right. This land does not belong to the National Park, but you can get permission to visit.

Little Bighorn Company M, 7th Cavalry Timberline Position2012-10-15T20:20:50-05:00

Little Bighorn Battlefield Guide

Little Bighorn Battlefield Guide

You can’t have too many of these; pick them up at the museum bookstore. In addition, the excellent map, the guide has a description of each stop, the order you should visit each location , excellent photos and an article on the clash of cultures. Remember, this guide does not cover the valley fight; you will need a separate source to help do that. But if you don’t take time to visit the valley, the rest of the battle will be more difficult to understand.

Little Bighorn Battlefield Guide2012-10-15T20:19:22-05:00

Gettysburg Battlefield Guide

Gettysburg Battlefield Guide

You can also find audio guides that you can listen to in the car as you go from stop to stop. There are probably more battlefield markers at Gettysburg then there are at any other battlefield in the world. Before you go, visit the Virtual Gettysburg Web Site.

Gettysburg Battlefield Guide2012-10-15T20:21:46-05:00

The Battle of the Bulge Northern Route Map

The Battle of the Bulge Northern Route Map

Many roads in the Ardennes are small and there are not many markers along the route. This map shows the advance of the 6th SS Panzer Army, commanded by Josef “Sepp” Dietrich. Bringing along a complement of “After the Battle” publications will enhance your trip 200%.

The Battle of the Bulge Northern Route Map2012-10-15T20:23:40-05:00

Gettysburg Civil War Surgeon’s Saw

Gettysburg Civil War Surgeon’s Saw

Speed was essential if a soldier’s limb had to be amputated.  This type of saw was used for leg and arm amputations.  The record time for a mid-thigh amputation was 22 seconds, but that was not without complications.  These types of vignettes bring a battlefield visit to life.

Gettysburg Civil War Surgeon’s Saw2012-10-15T20:36:18-05:00

Modern Map of the Southern Hürtgen Forest

Modern Map of the Southern Hürtgen Forest

The U. S. Ninth Infantry Division had bloody fights at Germeter and Vossenack in October 1944.  South of Germeter off Highway 399 is the German Military Cemetery (Ehr. Fdhf.), where Field Marshall Walter Model is buried.  Elements of the U. S. Twenty-Eighth Infantry Division attacked from the south side of Vossenack to the Mestrenger Mühle and up the other side to Kommerscheidt in November 1944.  Here they ran into the German 116th Panzer Division.

Modern Map of the Southern Hürtgen Forest2012-10-15T20:37:01-05:00

The Hürtegen Forest, 1944 – Getting Interesting Details

The Hürtegen Forest, 1944 – Getting Interesting Details

Years of research dug up this document awarding an Iron Cross 1st Class to a panzer commander, who was killed in the Hürtgen at Kommerscheidt.  Detailed research showed exactly where this fighting happened, including the individual American tank that destroyed the German vehicle.  French has maintained contact with many prominent military antique dealers in Germany, some for over 30 years.

The Hürtegen Forest, 1944 – Getting Interesting Details2012-10-15T20:38:02-05:00
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