Darmstadt recent comments:

The 447th Signal Battalion moved to Ernst Ludwig Kaserne from Baumholder in spring 1971. It had been in Baumholder (Wetzel Kaserne) for about two years. LTC Harry Comeskey was CO during my 10 months (9/70 - 6/71) in the battalion. CPT Batta and SFC Odum ran the HHQ Detachment at the time. SFC Bozarth headed the S-2 where I worked. The 447th had a couple of dozen communications sites throughout northwestern Germany, Belgium and Holland, forming the 'Cemetery' Network in support of artillery units. It belonged to the 22nd Signal Group in Mannheim. I was at ELK for only 2 or 3 months, but have many memories of people, places and events around ELK and nearby units and Darmstadt itself. Of course, even more memories of Baumholder.

B-TAB...73-75, great memories!

I was there from March of 69 to August of 70. Don't remember you but I don't remember a lot of things.

PFC Joseph Perdue HHC 11th Sig Bn 32nd ADDCOM 7th Army 1990-1992. joseph_perdue@yahoo.com

Sorry Robert, I thought you were there 77-78. Went back and re read, you ere there 10 yrs after I was!

Robert Kitner I was also in C co 11th sig same time as you 77-78

I was there 77-78 Co. C 11th Sig also! Wow. I was a 31m20 worked at the Bunker site 50. Sp/4 Rick Lackey

Charles Chuck Rhynearson I was there in that same time was hq co and on the unit police

The literal translation of 'Darmstadt' is 'Anal City'.

I was there 61-63, 2nd Gun bn 38th FA...Motor pool..best job i ever had..due to bad accident ..i spent most of my time at the 97th gen hosp.in Frankfort......i had a pov and traveled all over Germany .ATOMIC ANNIE....M65

Survey Platoon, Headquarters Battery, 1st Target Acquisition Battalion, 26th Artillery. June - December, 1968. Housed within the first building on left just inside the main gate. Bunked with the platoon on the top floor overlooking the motor pool. Left for Nam after Christmas. Bruce Howell, Spec 4, Instrument Operator

Hey Jerry...Imagine that! I too was stationed with the 1st Target Acquisition Battalion, 26 Arty. I arrived in June of '68 as well after AIT at Fort Sill. I too was 82C20 (Instrument Operator) and fell in love with the country and small farm villages we would bring grid control to during our maneuvers. Unfortunately, when not out on maneuvers, my world within the confines of guard duty, shoveling coal, motor pool monotony, and deteriorating personnel relations with my CO and Platoon Sgt, I needed to find what I then referred to as the "real Army". Duty with purpose and dignity, appreciation, and pride, all of which were lacking qualities within the unit I served. They would allow me to transfer "out"...until I learned that a request to transfer to Vietnam could not be denied! So, In December of 68, I left Darmstadt and the many friends that I had come to know and respect...Mike Dombal, John Weeks, Terry Weintraub, and so many more who's names unfortunately now escape me. After my 30 day leave back on Long Island, I arrived in Viet Nam and spent the next 6 months in a small basecamp "Bear Cat" about 20 Ks from Long Bien. Our unit was then transferred to Tay Ninh Base Camp roughly 70 Ks northwest along the Cambodia Border. There I spent my final 6 months serving America while dodging rockets and steering clear of the ever famous on-base steam baths. (LOL) It's hard for me to believe that while we spent the same time together in the same unit in Darmstadt that I don't recognize your name. I shared a room on the top floor of the same building that you were in. Can you name some names from the day? Perhaps we knew some of the same guys. It's been a pleasant surprise to have been in touch with you Jerry. (Were you "US" or "RA"?)

Black Top, if you're still on this site...George Smith, SPC5, "Pineapple". 1973-1975. Left on emergency leave, but didn't make it back to Darmstadt. Heavy equipment operator, but you reassigned me to the Orderly Room when you found out my bowling average was 175 back then. :-) Hope you are doing well.

I am Jerry Nenarella, and I was at ELK from June '68 till Apr '69 when I was sent to Vietnam. I was with the 1st Target Acquisition Btn, 26th Arty. We were in the first building on the left just inside the front gate. We surveyed over a lot of central Germany. A mobile rocket btn was next door to our barracks, and during a simulated test the launch program was inadvertently left on. It was discovered, thankfully, and shut down with a few minutes till launch right at our building! I loved the people and being able to see how they lived. When we were out in the field the people were very friendly and treated us well. Too bad I can't upload a few pictures.

Hi Jerry, I'm Vera from germany. I'm searching for Billy / Bill / Birl Frazier who was round about 20 years in 1971, a afroamerican army member. He left Darmstadt in 1971- direction vietnam. Can you help me?

Glenn Gatewood was a good friend of mine.... We had good times at 3rd shop and the lounge below the mess hall on the kaserne. I remember you. Been a long time. But time we wont forget....

Hey Leroy.... It's been a long time since ELK in 76-77. i was SP4 Sellers. I remember the days...Sad the place is only memories now. But ones we will have forever.....

I was a short timer when you go there. I left November 1977. I remember playing fast pitch softball and kicking but at it.

Hi Joe, my name is Ennis. I arrived there a little later than you, but I also have fond memories of ELK. I was there from Apr 1965 - Aug 1967. I was a member of B Battery 3/ 80th Arty. Our weapon was the Sargeant Missle. I don't know if my unit was there during your tour, but it's nice to have walked on the same ground you have.