Carroll H. Dunn
and some D-ration chocolate bars that we passed out. We tried not to give them too
much for fear it might make them sick. Several walked up and put their hands on my
vehicle and said, "Jeep, jeep," as though
something they obviously hadn't seen for
several
reflected, in effect, liberation.
We were able to get some civil affairs people in who got them [released prisoners]
housed, fed, and started on the process of return to Allied control. The human interest
aspect of the total change in their outlook in a period of just a few minutes was
something that I have never forgotten. Their condition was almost hopeless as they
were just moved around by their German guards so that the Germans could avoid
capture. Then, when we appeared, the guards ran away, and these people suddenly
were faced with freedom. It was for them, and also for us, quite an emotional
experience.
My most pronounced memory of the rapid movement across the north German plain
to the vicinity of Magdeburg was the complete collapse of any organized resistance.
Other than in a few pockets where there were German headquarters or other means of
organized control, we moved unimpeded during April and early May prior to the
surrender.
Q ..
There was another river crossing of the
wasn't there?
A
We did not actually cross the Elbe. We stopped at the Elbe and met the Russians at
Magdeburg, along the river. I remember the complete destruction of all means of
crossing the
by either air bombardment or by the Germans themselves.
When the Russians did arrive, I participated in negotiations with them to arrange for
us to build a bridge across the Elbe to provide our link for the Allied occupation of
Berlin. This negotiating was a very interesting experience. It took the better part of a
day. We
met at the river and taken to the Russian Army headquarters on the east
side of the Elbe. There we had a meal, and we carried on our negotiations through an
interpreter. The negotiations were successful; I would rather forget the meal!
We thought we had everything tied down; however, when we sent a survey party
across the river to locate the far abutment for the bridge, which was in the vicinity of
Magdeburg, the Russians started shooting. This required more talks. The decision was
that we would build a fixed bridge near Magdeburg. The Russians would build one
where the autobahn crossed the Elbe several miles north of Magdeburg.
I think the Russians considered this location a matter of prestige. The bridge that they
built was a very rickety pole structure that would have been hard pressed to carry more
than 10 or tons. Nevertheless, they put in the bridge at the highway. Our interest
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