Another Summer Down...!

ust when it seems that we have discovered, found, been given contributions, and feeling that finally the well has gone dry, along come new people offering new materials, records, narratives of passed events, and images that fill in the gaps that tells the full story of Charlie Battery.

The Honor Roll

On a somber note, we announce that the Honor Roll section of the web site has finally been completed. I wanted to present a sense of reverence, honor, and respect, and I hope it conveys those principles of dignity. There some who I don't have image for, so check out the page and if you have any photos that we can use kindly give us a shout out. Please visit the Honor Roll Section and do not hesitate to express your opinion of how it looks and feels to you. I also want to express my appreciation to Jim Fitzpatrick for his images and encouragement in this project.

Former Battery Members

A number of Former Charlie Battery personnel from the 1963-1965 era, Messers Tim Hannagan, Wisconsin - Pete Nault, Michigan - and Bob Heil, Tennessee, as well as Sgt. John S Standerfer and his wife Charlotte of Texas, from the 1966-1968 era, have checked in. We are glad to hear from you, glad you all found the web site and have reconnected with old kommrads.

Tim sat at the same bench I did as Alpha Section Panel Operator, and drove a 5 ton cargo truck as I did, so much in common, and he has some great stories I will share later. He is a professional photographer and you can visit his website if you "Click Here". Also, be sure to read his Guest Book entry, it's a good one.

John Standerfer was assistant section chief over at Charlie Section, and he and his wife Charlotte lived in Brackenheim, and have pictures of the area to contribute. (I can hardly wait - pant pant) John also has some great stories of Brackenheim. So again, Welcome to everyone...!

Rare Gerszewski Photos

Charlie Battery has also made a new friend named Hans Roeper, who originally grew up in Karlsruhe, Deutschland. As a teenager he would ride his bike out to Kneilingen to visit the Nike Site at Gerszewski Barracks. He had a little 110 camera and actually documented the launching area. You old guys remember that beautiful mosquito infested lowland that was so much fun to pull duty and walk guard, don't you?

We are excited to actually have documentation of that launching area. I think it’s probably a very rare image. Hans also donated several other images, so look for them in the Launching Area Section , on page 5 and page 6.

Actually, we now have 6 images of various parts of Gerszewski Kaserne, if we can get 4 or more images it can have its own section on the Navigation Bar.

Hans has an interesting story in his own right. As a young man he immigrated to America and joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, serving in a number of different capacities.

After the Army he came back to America, got his citizenship, worked for awhile, and then re-enlisted and retired from the Air Force. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service. I've had had a number of enjoyable conversation with Hans, and he is a gentleman of good spirits and comradeship, and we sincerely value his contributions and support of our efforts. Be sure to read his entry in the Charlie Battery Guest Book as well. Thank you for your good energy Hans...!