When I saw this videos and pictures earlier, I got choked up. I feel like I grew up so much (ages 19-21) in the two years I was stationed at Lee Barracks in Mainz, Gonsenheim. I served there from December 1983 to December 1985 in the 2/28 Infantry Bn. We were known as the (Black) Lions of Cantigny; and later designated the 3/8th Infantry, known as the War Eagles. I found this because I was looking for pictures of the 40th Anniversary of D-Day on the Normandy beaches. My company+ (selected soldiers from other companies in our battalion) was the only intact unit to represent the U.S. Army at the celebration in France, except for the Band. Units from the Ranger Batts were there, and even representatives of the Special Forces (who didn't exist at the time of the operation in 1944) were there, but we were The representatives. I was telling my wife this story because I was selected by my 1SG to be the "Zero Kilometer" Soldier, which was the first soldier President Reagan and Queen Elizabeth encountered as they approached the beach. The zero kilometer was the place from which the Allies established their defenses after the costly battles to get onto the beach, and from which they never took another backward step. I stood at the kilometer marker, centered under the American flag, which itself was centered between soldiers of 6 other allied nations; under their flags. Lastly, I thought of the businesses along the main street into the base; "Cheap Charlie's" sewing and alterations, the Italian food stand, the bratwurst stand, and the corner bar; and how decent and accommodating all the people were with us, and how many times I got on and off the Strassenbahn, which was a stones throw from the front gate, to venture out into downtown, across the bridge to Wiesbaden, and all the trips to the Bahnhof, to head off to Frankfurt and other places in Rheinland Pfaltz and Hessen. Thanks so much for the memories!
Than YOU, Clintonjosey for your service to our country! It’s because of service members like you our nation (And others) is free! Thanks for watching and your comment! My uncle loved serving here as well. We were that in December and nothing is left in Gonsenheim to even know the barracks were ever there. So sad!
@@RagtopHistorian It was my pleasure to comment. Thank you for the memories. My wife and I are planning to visit Europe next year for our 10th wedding anniversary, and Mainz, which we visited together when we were just friends on active duty, will be one of our stop and stays!
I was stationed there 1978-80. These pictures truly bring back memories. The main gate entrance was about 1 block from the "strasse" stop (street car stop). The "strasse car" shown was just how I remembered it. The Barracks were unique. But home for 2 years. The Mess hall was depicted, as well as the motor pool. The phone booth depicted was just outside the main gate. When I first arrived....speaking no German....I wanted to see if anyone living in the area had my similar last name (Stahl - German for sure!) Unfortunately, there were pages and pages of Stahl....similar to Smith in America!. Great memories. Thanks for sharing!
Mainz Gonsenheim Lee Barracks (1981 - 1984) was my first duty station as a 19 year old Private (E-1) working at the Regional Personell Center (RPC) as a Personell Records Specialist (75D). Our barracks were located across the street from the Pathfinder Club. Great post. Thanks for the memories! Sergeant First Class (R)
Thank you for this video , I was a kid there from 61-65 dad was a sergeant Major in the 508th ,have walked through those gates many times. This vid brings back a lot of good memories 👍
That was almost the same time my uncle was there. He went stateside in 62, I think. His time there was wonderful. He talks about it all the time. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your memories!
Wow talk about bringing back memories. I was stationed Lee Barracks from 1974 to 1977 HQ. 4th/69th Ar. I worked support as Fuel Specialist, I did some time as Honor Guard/Security. I spent many hours at that front gate checking I.D's. At that time are Tanks were all carrying their combat loads. The Terrorist group Red October group were blowing things up and would love to get their hands on tank ammo lol. One thing I did enjoy was going up to the clock tower to raise or lower the U.S. flag. My last Year I volunteered to be the Supply sgt. for hq. company due to enlistments were way low and every one was doubling up on duties. I was mainly a Hvy Vech. operator. We had the 10 ton Goer as our go to tank refueler as well as some 5ton and 2 1/2ton trucks. I was the guy that had to visit the Base Commander one Winter day Because I took one of our Goers that carry 2500 gallons fuel, and with a wide open slippery surface performed a 360 degree turn in the parking lot. How was I to know from his office they could see the parking area. lol I do miss my Army buddies, so if you remember a cocky skinny guy back then it was me.
Mike, first of all THANK YOU for your service to our country and keeping us safe during the Cold War and from terrorists! I can’t wait to show my Uncle your comment! He was there much earlier than you, but loved to hear about others’ memories of Gonsenheim! Thanks so much for watching and your wonderful comment!
@@RagtopHistorianB Co 4th BN 69th Armor then HHQ Co for the last 6 months. September 1972-June 1976. B Company won the Draper (spelling?) award for 1976 as the best tank company in the US Army.
Beautiful shots, I recognized everything. I now live in Mainz-Gonsenheim, not far from the barracks. It still stands, but is being converted into apartments.
I was at Mz-fin then 86-91, we had to come to Lee Barracks for just about anything we needed as 8th ID. Loved the audio store there and the Burger bar was much better than ours.
Thank you for the photos. My dad was posted at Lee Barracks and we lived on the economy in Gonsemheim on Haupt Strasse in 1960. This was the same time as your uncle. Brought back memories.
Thank you very much for the pictures of my hometown from a time when I wasn't born myself, that lasted ten years. But, I remember well when Mainz was still full of American soldiers and their families. Yes, the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate was once a very important military location for the US armed forces, the place where the first nuclear weapons were stored in West Germany, and the largest repair shop for military equipment outside of the USA. The Soviet Union led Mainz as one of the ten most important locations for a nuclear first strike in West Germany. The eyes of my children saw the Nike Hercules missiles in the Oberolm Forest, whose warheads were well hidden next door, and the constant rides of the military police in their Willy's jeeps. The German-American friendship celebrations, the many barracks, housing areas and military training areas, CH-47 "banana helicopters" or AH-1 Cobra that were stationed at Finthen Army Airfield. When I visit the places of my childhood today, nothing reminds me of that time, almost all traces have been erased, hardly anyone cares today. But, the American flag still flies over Mainz, once in the McCully Barracks in Wackernheim and over the Sand Dunes Training Area in Mombach. I can only say "thank you for your service, thank you for a great childhood with you Americans". Many Greetings from Germany, i do not forget you.
Thanks for the memories, I was stationed at Lee Bks. , Nov. 75 to Nov. 78... 4th Bn. 69th Armor at that time... was a tanker, but spent most of my time in Bn. S-3 and Hq. Tank section... great times, great people!
I was an Air Force Brat. My father was stationed at Spangdahlem Air force Base from 1952-1956. We lived on the Bitburg Air Base. I started kindergarten in 1953. I remember Germany very fondly and would love to go back and visit. We visited Trier often and I learned to LOVE history from the stories my father would tell of the ancient Romans who built Trier. My father served from 1941-1963. I miss those days. Even though we were in the darkest days of the cold war I felt safe as a child because of my father and your uncle serving in the US Armed Services. Good video.
I was there 62 63 64 I was with the 504th Airborne. I was the driver for the Batt. XO Lt. Col. Townsend. It was a long 3 yrs. As soon as I got back to the world I was sent to Vietnam. I had lots of fun and good times at good old Lee Barracks.
Thank you, Michael! My Uncle (who shared these photos). Will be thrilled you enjoyed them. He loved his time there and talks about it all the time. Thanks for watching too!
I was stationed there from December of 1974 to August of 1976 and ETS there on a European out. After getting out I worked mostly at Mainz Kastel for the Wiesbaden area club system, and it was a blast ! I was in B company 2/28th and stayed in the barracks right where the mess hall is seen in this video. Would do all over if it was possible. Sure miss those days
Thanks for sharing, Robyn. I've been to Lee Barracks. My father was stationed there. Mainz is where I started the 1st grade. It's where I lived when JFK was assassinated.
Tony, I appreciate the comment. I bet you have so many memories there! My uncle, even at 84 still has nothing but fondness and wonderful memories of Mainz and Lee barracks. Thanks for watching!
I live in Gonsenheim. Although everything looks today quite different than at the beginning of the 1960s, I was able to recognize most of the places shown in the pictures. The Lee Barracks are a housing area now. But the sign "Lee Barracks" is still standing there, as a memorabilia. The older people here have good memories of the American soldiers. They were considered as an inherent part of Gonsenheim.
Thanks so much for your comment! It’s so nice to know they are preserving the history of Lee Barracks! We were there last year, but we couldn’t find it!
@@RagtopHistorian It is a wooden sign standing not by the main entrance, but right beside the former barracks buildings. If you wish, I shall photograph it for you at the coming weekend.
My uncle, who took these photos would LOVE to see what it looks like now! Could you email them to me at RagtopHistorian@gmail.com? He is 85 and talks about his days there all the time! Thanks! Thanks for watching too!
Small world. I was stationed at Lindsey Air Station, communications with the Air Force. Mainz Gonsenheim was a stones throw from us. Both were near Frankfurt and Wiesbaden. Did he ever tell you what a Schnell Imbiss was?!!! Sie waren jedes mal- super geil !!! Salute to your uncle!!!🇺🇸
I am happy about that! My husband and I went to Germany a year ago and visited Mainz, but didn't make it to the Gonsenheim area. After hearing my Uncle Harold talk about his experiences there, I want to back and visit the area! Thanks for watching and commenting!!!
i got to lee barracks feb 1962 23 truck company thru the gate turn right the barracks all the way to the fence. the drunks coming back from mainz or wiesbaden had to make sure they came over our fence the rocket guys had loaded shot guns.
When I saw this videos and pictures earlier, I got choked up. I feel like I grew up so much (ages 19-21) in the two years I was stationed at Lee Barracks in Mainz, Gonsenheim. I served there from December 1983 to December 1985 in the 2/28 Infantry Bn. We were known as the (Black) Lions of Cantigny; and later designated the 3/8th Infantry, known as the War Eagles. I found this because I was looking for pictures of the 40th Anniversary of D-Day on the Normandy beaches. My company+ (selected soldiers from other companies in our battalion) was the only intact unit to represent the U.S. Army at the celebration in France, except for the Band. Units from the Ranger Batts were there, and even representatives of the Special Forces (who didn't exist at the time of the operation in 1944) were there, but we were The representatives. I was telling my wife this story because I was selected by my 1SG to be the "Zero Kilometer" Soldier, which was the first soldier President Reagan and Queen Elizabeth encountered as they approached the beach. The zero kilometer was the place from which the Allies established their defenses after the costly battles to get onto the beach, and from which they never took another backward step. I stood at the kilometer marker, centered under the American flag, which itself was centered between soldiers of 6 other allied nations; under their flags.
Lastly, I thought of the businesses along the main street into the base; "Cheap Charlie's" sewing and alterations, the Italian food stand, the bratwurst stand, and the corner bar; and how decent and accommodating all the people were with us, and how many times I got on and off the Strassenbahn, which was a stones throw from the front gate, to venture out into downtown, across the bridge to Wiesbaden, and all the trips to the Bahnhof, to head off to Frankfurt and other places in Rheinland Pfaltz and Hessen. Thanks so much for the memories!
Than YOU, Clintonjosey for your service to our country! It’s because of service members like you our nation (And others) is free! Thanks for watching and your comment! My uncle loved serving here as well. We were that in December and nothing is left in Gonsenheim to even know the barracks were ever there. So sad!
@@RagtopHistorian It was my pleasure to comment. Thank you for the memories. My wife and I are planning to visit Europe next year for our 10th wedding anniversary, and Mainz, which we visited together when we were just friends on active duty, will be one of our stop and stays!
I was stationed there 1978-80. These pictures truly bring back memories. The main gate entrance was about 1 block from the "strasse" stop (street car stop). The "strasse car" shown was just how I remembered it. The Barracks were unique. But home for 2 years. The Mess hall was depicted, as well as the motor pool. The phone booth depicted was just outside the main gate. When I first arrived....speaking no German....I wanted to see if anyone living in the area had my similar last name (Stahl - German for sure!) Unfortunately, there were pages and pages of Stahl....similar to Smith in America!. Great memories. Thanks for sharing!
Mainz Gonsenheim Lee Barracks (1981 - 1984) was my first duty station as a 19 year old Private (E-1) working at the Regional Personell Center (RPC) as a Personell Records Specialist (75D). Our barracks were located across the street from the Pathfinder Club.
Great post. Thanks for the memories!
Sergeant First Class (R)
Thanks so much for this. I was stationed there 1973-1974 with the 1st 509th. Great memories!
Thanks so much for watching and posting! Thank you, Sir for your service!
Thanks for the video.. I served 82-85 Lee Barracks.. had a wonderful time and seen a lot of concerts...
Jimmy, thanks so much for watching and commenting! Thank YOU for your service to our country!
Great moments in history, Robyn! Times were so much simpler then! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks, Dianne!
Thank you for this video , I was a kid there from 61-65 dad was a sergeant Major in the 508th ,have walked through those gates many times. This vid brings back a lot of good memories 👍
That was almost the same time my uncle was there. He went stateside in 62, I think. His time there was wonderful. He talks about it all the time. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your memories!
Wow talk about bringing back memories. I was stationed Lee Barracks from 1974 to 1977 HQ. 4th/69th Ar. I worked support as Fuel Specialist, I did some time as Honor Guard/Security. I spent many hours at that front gate checking I.D's. At that time are Tanks were all carrying their combat loads. The Terrorist group Red October group were blowing things up and would love to get their hands on tank ammo lol. One thing I did enjoy was going up to the clock tower to raise or lower the U.S. flag. My last Year I volunteered to be the Supply sgt. for hq. company due to enlistments were way low and every one was doubling up on duties. I was mainly a Hvy Vech. operator. We had the 10 ton Goer as our go to tank refueler as well as some 5ton and 2 1/2ton trucks. I was the guy that had to visit the Base Commander one Winter day Because I took one of our Goers that carry 2500 gallons fuel, and with a wide open slippery surface performed a 360 degree turn in the parking lot. How was I to know from his office they could see the parking area. lol I do miss my Army buddies, so if you remember a cocky skinny guy back then it was me.
Mike, first of all THANK YOU for your service to our country and keeping us safe during the Cold War and from terrorists! I can’t wait to show my Uncle your comment! He was there much earlier than you, but loved to hear about others’ memories of Gonsenheim! Thanks so much for watching and your wonderful comment!
@@RagtopHistorianB Co 4th BN 69th Armor then HHQ Co for the last 6 months. September 1972-June 1976. B Company won the Draper (spelling?) award for 1976 as the best tank company in the US Army.
Beautiful shots, I recognized everything. I now live in Mainz-Gonsenheim, not far from the barracks. It still stands, but is being converted into apartments.
As others have said, thank you very much for sharing1 I was stationed at Mainz-Gonsenheim from 1986 to 1989. Great memories!
Thank YOU for watching and most importantly thank you for your service!
I was at Mz-fin then 86-91, we had to come to Lee Barracks for just about anything we needed as 8th ID. Loved the audio store there and the Burger bar was much better than ours.
Man that brings back memories
Thanks so much for watching and posting! Thank you for your service!
Thank you for the photos. My dad was posted at Lee Barracks and we lived on the economy in Gonsemheim on Haupt Strasse in 1960. This was the same time as your uncle. Brought back memories.
Thanks, Fritz! I read your comment to my uncle and he says hello! Thanks for watching and your comment!
Thank you very much for the pictures of my hometown from a time when I wasn't born myself, that lasted ten years.
But, I remember well when Mainz was still full of American soldiers and their families.
Yes, the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate was once a very important military location for the US armed forces, the place where the first nuclear weapons were stored in West Germany, and the largest repair shop for military equipment outside of the USA.
The Soviet Union led Mainz as one of the ten most important locations for a nuclear first strike in West Germany.
The eyes of my children saw the Nike Hercules missiles in the Oberolm Forest, whose warheads were well hidden next door, and the constant rides of the military police in their Willy's jeeps.
The German-American friendship celebrations, the many barracks, housing areas and military training areas, CH-47 "banana helicopters" or AH-1 Cobra that were stationed at Finthen Army Airfield.
When I visit the places of my childhood today, nothing reminds me of that time, almost all traces have been erased, hardly anyone cares today.
But, the American flag still flies over Mainz, once in the McCully Barracks in Wackernheim and over the Sand Dunes Training Area in Mombach.
I can only say "thank you for your service, thank you for a great childhood with you Americans".
Many Greetings from Germany, i do not forget you.
Such a nice post! I hope my uncle reads this soon! He loved being stationed there! Thanks for watching and for your wonderful memories!
Thanks for the memories, I was stationed at Lee Bks. , Nov. 75 to Nov. 78... 4th Bn. 69th Armor at that time... was a tanker, but spent most of my time in Bn. S-3 and Hq. Tank section... great times, great people!
Thank you for your service!
Hey I was also at Lee Bks from 75 to 78. my Dad was a CSM. I was also at HQ where I had a summer job.
@@coreyirwin8258 Your Dad was my CSM i think. 2/28 Infantry. Small world
I was Born 1981 and Our house was like 100meters away from the Lee Baracks.thx for your Service and my great childhood memorys
I was an Air Force Brat. My father was stationed at Spangdahlem Air force Base from 1952-1956. We lived on the Bitburg Air Base. I started kindergarten in 1953. I remember Germany very fondly and would love to go back and visit. We visited Trier often and I learned to LOVE history from the stories my father would tell of the ancient Romans who built Trier. My father served from 1941-1963.
I miss those days. Even though we were in the darkest days of the cold war I felt safe as a child because of my father and your uncle serving in the US Armed Services. Good video.
thank you, Jill! What wonderful memories you just have!
I was there 62 63 64 I was with the 504th Airborne. I was the driver for the Batt. XO Lt. Col. Townsend. It was a long 3 yrs. As soon as I got back to the world I was sent to Vietnam. I had lots of fun and good times at good old Lee Barracks.
Thank you for your service to our great nation!
Thanks,
for sharing brings back memories when I was stationed in Germany during the cold war.
Thank you, Michael! My Uncle (who shared these photos). Will be thrilled you enjoyed them. He loved his time there and talks about it all the time. Thanks for watching too!
Thanks for sharing, I was stationed here 1980-84. Not much had changed, but the units.
I can’t imagine how many memories you made there! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Was there 80/82 a 2/87
I was stationed there from December of 1974 to August of 1976 and ETS there on a European out. After getting out I worked mostly at Mainz Kastel for the Wiesbaden area club system, and it was a blast ! I was in B company 2/28th and stayed in the barracks right where the mess hall is seen in this video. Would do all over if it was possible. Sure miss those days
Richard, thank you for your service to our country! I appreciate you watching and commenting!
@@RagtopHistorian oh but it's my pleasure ! Sure wish I could find all the people I knew there back then ! And thank you for your service as well !
Thanks for sharing, Robyn. I've been to Lee Barracks. My father was stationed there. Mainz is where I started the 1st grade. It's where I lived when JFK was assassinated.
Tony, I appreciate the comment. I bet you have so many memories there! My uncle, even at 84 still has nothing but fondness and wonderful memories of Mainz and Lee barracks. Thanks for watching!
I also started school there 61-65 remember the base went on full alert when Kennedy was shot, also remember when the wall was built
I live in Gonsenheim. Although everything looks today quite different than at the beginning of the 1960s, I was able to recognize most of the places shown in the pictures. The Lee Barracks are a housing area now. But the sign "Lee Barracks" is still standing there, as a memorabilia. The older people here have good memories of the American soldiers. They were considered as an inherent part of Gonsenheim.
Thanks so much for your comment! It’s so nice to know they are preserving the history of Lee Barracks! We were there last year, but we couldn’t find it!
@@RagtopHistorian It is a wooden sign standing not by the main entrance, but right beside the former barracks buildings. If you wish, I shall photograph it for you at the coming weekend.
@axro that would be so nice! Thank you! You can email me at ragtophistorian@yahoo.com!
I was stationed there with the 2nd Bn. 509th Abn/Mech from May 1971 to November 1972.
Thanks for sharing this! I hope it brought back good memories for you! Thanks so much for watching too!
I live around the corner there. If someone wants to have current pictures or other memories then write me :)
My uncle, who took these photos would LOVE to see what it looks like now! Could you email them to me at RagtopHistorian@gmail.com? He is 85 and talks about his days there all the time! Thanks! Thanks for watching too!
Small world. I was stationed at Lindsey Air Station, communications with the Air Force. Mainz Gonsenheim was a stones throw from us. Both were near Frankfurt and Wiesbaden. Did he ever tell you what a Schnell Imbiss was?!!! Sie waren jedes mal- super geil !!! Salute to your uncle!!!🇺🇸
Thank you, Jon! He hasn’t told me about that, but I will call him today and ask! Thank you for your service!
I lived in Lee Barracks from 83-85 (Army brat). I miss Germany so much.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Lee barracks must have been a special place to be fondly remembered by so many!
I was stationed there at the age of seventeen from 80 to 85 I was the U.P. gateguard that looked more like a boyscout than a soldier.
Chet, thank you for serving our country! I appreciate you watching my video and commenting!
Very nice apartments in those barrack buildings now. The Breite Strasse doesn't look all that different, either!
I am happy about that! My husband and I went to Germany a year ago and visited Mainz, but didn't make it to the Gonsenheim area. After hearing my Uncle Harold talk about his experiences there, I want to back and visit the area! Thanks for watching and commenting!!!
Nothing really changed ! I live in this area too :)
i got to lee barracks feb 1962 23 truck company thru the gate turn right the barracks all the way to the fence. the drunks coming back from mainz or wiesbaden had to make sure they came over our fence the rocket guys had loaded shot guns.
Oh, my!
I was station there 1987 to 1990 8inf 4th BN. 34th AR
Thank you for your service!