H D Smith Barracks, Baumholder FRG c. 1982
And now for something completely different: a snapshot of H D Smith Barracks.This photo is from a collection sent to me by Alfred Powell, who served with the 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry from 1981-1984. Paddy's Gang was located at H D Smith Barracks from late 1966 until 1/39 Infantry was redesignated to 4/12 Inf (M) in 1989. That's a fairly long time to spend in one overseas location.
If you look closely, you'll see our famous 'AAAO' spelled out in rocks; somewhere in the Kremlin archives, there's a satellite photo of that.
This will also look familiar to anyone who served in Baumholder during those years.
Thanks, Alfred! More to follow, in time.
And, yes, I do have Alfred's contact details for anyone trying to get back in touch.
AAA-O!
UPDATE: just giving this a bump for those who served at H D Smith Barracks, Baumholder FRG back in 1982.
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p.s. If you're new to the Web Beacon and haven't already written in, you can add your name to the roster now!
Didn't find what you were after? Try looking in the 'previous posts' over to the right, or use the search tool at the top left of this page.
posted by mhg at 10:24 PM
23 Comments:
Many of trips were travelled, packing cases of beer from the top of these stairs to the Alpha company barracks @ 12o'clock in the distance. Part of the 1/39th work out plan.
"Happy Valley" is at the extreme left, just down from the AAA0 rocks -- where the smokers used to go.
Anybody remember the nasty Jack Boy roach-coach trucks cruising the streets at night, with the fried "rat" they used to call chicken?
station with 1/13 from 1970 to 1971
I am writing a book that includes a chapter about Baumholder. I would like to know if I could get permission to use the photo of the H. D. Smith Barracks that was sent by Alfred Powell.
Willis Morgan
WillisMorgan@AOL.com
954-458-3282
I remember those times.. beer runs were made.. I sure do remember those days.. Jack Boy.. Schnitzel boy we loved those schnitzels .. there were some stoned folks in those barracks .
When were you stationed there? I was there in late 81 to 83.. I was in A Co... Do you remember first Sgt. Terlahe (sP).. who was the CO? Those days then seemed tough, but looking back.. they were excellent.. and I miss those days.. I guess I'm getting old.. Who all do you remember? Did you know Massey... how about Adam Cowell.. we called him rat, but we were young and dumb..
email me at williambeller@comcast.net
I made some money giving rides from the shoppette back to the barracks. Many Soldiers gave up and just drank it all while sitting at he bottom of the hill cause they didn't want to make the trek bcd up loaded down.
Was stationed as an 11C with AAA0 B Co. 1/39th from 1975-76.
Rich Laird,62,USAR Ret.
Brookline,MA
I served in 1/39th in the mid eighties. Robert Noland was my 1st Sergeant.
I served in 1/39th infantry in head quarter from 1983 to 1985. I was a 63B, 63H, and 63T. I was a mechanic and I drive one of the M88 recovery vehicle.
Hey there, fellows posting anonymously - please add your names and an email address, and I'll see if I can link you up with anyone who served with us during your day.
I was there with 1sg Robert Nolan's. I am Sp4 Thomas Carter
My E-Mail is ThomasCarter13@Gmail.com. I was in A.Co. 1-39 Inf. Between Jan. 1985-May 1986. I got transferred to 2nd Brigade HHC after that. If you know me please E-Mail me.
I got to The Rock January 82. The building to the right just down the steps from where this picture was taken is where we got our drivers licenses. Also somewhere in that area was a basement bar called The Kellar. I was with the 293rd Engineer Battalion, which was to the left and down a block. Our motor pool was straight down the road in the pic, and to the left just before where the road makes the jog. We were just across Happy Valley from what we called Gruntland and also the snack bar. Great memories of my time on The Rock!
Thanks for stopping by, Tom.
In the late '80s we used to slip over to your DFAC from time to time, mostly for a change of pace, but the food was good too. Eventually it caught on, and the higher-ups put a stop to it.
As for the Keller Club, it was in the basement of the Wagon Wheel Theater, just out of the photo on the extreme right.
Question for you: did Ron & Inge's Stammtisch exist as a bar (downtown Baumholder) when you were there? I got the sense it was fairly new in the mid80s. It was a good spot, always busy, but didn't survive the USAREUR drawdown in the early 90s. Have been curious about their story for a long time. Lots of GIs stayed behind (like me, for a few years).
Cheers
Matt
1/39th Inf. Paddy's Gang, 1982-83, A Company. Despite the rules I lived in a guest house in town because I flew my girlfriend over from the states. We were married in Baumholder by the justice of the peace on my lunch hour. I had a great time on the rock. Many hours spent with buddies at the Rod and Gun club's archery range. ETS'd out in 83' Still remember the Luxembourg bash and the great food and beer.
Jack Boy was hilarious! We would wait until they sped past us and then whistle and they would slam on the brakes and drive in reverse about 90 mph. Of course we would buy a sausage sandwich but it was worth the laugh.
Few businesses seemed to be so much loved, much hated and much joked about as Jack Boy. Closest thing I can remember was the Snake Lady. That was the mid/late 80s, but I bet there was always a Snake Lady. Might be an inherited job, like going into politics.
Hey, post your name, send more stories. Happy to post good ones on the site.
I was in C.co 1/39th 1979-81 it snowed Father's day that year.
Cecil Dailey CO, B 1/39th none as the karate guy,
man we were young. and very well trained, our CPT, was. SPF, he would pt us to death and trained us on our job like a mad man, I,am grateful my next duty station was South Korea DMZ. the training was much needed.
Hey, Cecil, leave an email address and let me know the years you were with the unit. I'll see if I can link you up with anyone from your days in 1/39 Inf.
Cheers
Matt
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PLEASE INCLUDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT ! ! !
This is the right time and place to include your email address.
It's the only way your old buddies can contact you via this site.
Thanks!
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