American Forces:
Alfred Nigl (of the 82nd Airborne Infantry) landed on this Glider on June 6th, 1944 (D-Day) behind German lines. Of the 16 men who were on the Glider, 1 was killed by "ack-ack fire" while in the air and 5 were killed in the crash-landing. The Horsa Glider actually started to come apart as it was coming in for a landing. The pilot was killed when a jeep that was on board broke loose and ran over him. Wilmer Ranniger (friend of Alfred Nigl), was dragging his shoulder on the ground upon landing. Luckily, Wilmer lived, but was unconscious for a long time.
German Forces:
Bischofsreut WW2 Memorial
Joseph Nigl - cousin to Alfred Nigl
Karl Nigl - cousin to Alfred Nigl
Ludwig Nigl - cousin to Alfred Nigl
Just after the announcement of the end of the war.
Elderly man with whom the troppers spent the night with in his home / During the Battle of the Bulge - 1944
Troopers with a dog they adopted as a mascot / During the Battle of the Bulge - 1944