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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
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Comments (54)
Faemike55
Very somber photo Sig. RIP all
renecyberdoc
fine tribute sig.
rockstrider
Excellent capture and narative Sig!
junge1
When I took this picture I also had a camcorder, and I heard myself muttering that he (meaning Custer) deserved it. He kept making treaties with the Natice Americans, and kept braking them on a regular basis.
Richardphotos
very interesting capture Sig
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God Bless.
lyron
Great piece of history. Cool shot!!!
bmac62
Good shooting Sig. I know that battlefield well...been there three times and each time I've goofed up my photos. Someday I'll get it right;-) As you probably know, the black faced headstone in your photo is where Custer himself was found. The cemetery at Fort Leavenworth (my old stamping grounds) has at least four officers buried there after being removed from the Little Bighorn...here's a link, Click Here.
junge1
Thanks Bill for the info. I didn't know that! Standing there is just an eerie feeling!
Dreamingbee
great tribute and photo Sig ..
rachris480907
Sobering photo. Appreciate the historical text, too. Great job!
farmerC
This is Shining done.
auntietk
That's such an amazing place. I like your image very much. I stood right there, but of course was zooming in on this and that and never took a picture of the whole hill. That's such a beautiful place ... the country around there is gorgeous ... but it still echos with the sounds of that battle, doesn't it? Excellent shot, my friend.
jayfar
A lovely shot of this place and excellent info.
junge1
I suggest that anyone interested in this historic and epic event read Bill's (bmac62) comment and go to the link he gives. It provides some interesting information!!
junge1
Standing there with the wind moving the grass and the wide Montana view, one is overwhelmed by the fact of the fierceness of this engagement!!
blinkings
This must be an amazing place to visit.
bkhook
Somehow, without even being there, this photo captures the moment. I can almost hear the war cries, the screams, and the smell of terror. Well done and such a tumultuous time in American History.
drifterlee
I've never been there and this is a very moving shot!
bobrgallegos
Wonderful capture Sig! Been there and there is an eerie silence when You walk down the path where these headstones lay.
sandra46
OUTSTANDING SHOT! WE KNOW THE BATTLEFIELD WELL!
flavia49
splendid capture
alanwilliams
apart from the superb information, i find the landscape fascinating, apart from the tombstones it doesn't look any different than i would imagine it did at the time. This aspect of American history fascinates me
weesel
Just finished a book on Custer. The most interesting part is as the end... all senior chiefs said they were not looking for a fight and if Custer had asked them, politely, to move on, they were prepared to do so. The young braves were ready to rumble, but the older, wiser heads were basically looking for some respect and the chance to settle grievances over incursions into their land. Little too much smoke there to ignore. Either some truth or some heap big collusion. R.
brewgirlca
Instantly recognizable from the thumb. I have been here a few times and it is an eirie place. You have well captured the spread of the conflict. The Native American encampment was in the wooded grove you see in distance. Custer took his position here at the top of a shallow valley. He sent some troopers by horse to ride into the camp from the left the plan being to terrify the natives and have them rush up the shallow valley where Custer would then charge down upon them. Didn't work as planned. The officers road into a way bigger camp than expected and were routed. The Native Americans then rushed up on the highlands that you can see to the right and left, in shade and red colored shrub. Contrary to popular pictures few of the Natives fought this battle on horse back, there was no encircling ring of Natives on horseback. Instead the Native Americans took the high ground by foot and then proceeded to pick off the Cavalry troops largely by sharpshooting them. They cut off Custer's retreat to higher ground up the valley. It is also believed, again contrary to popular culture, that George Custer probably fell relatively early in the fight, as the Native sharpshooters concentrated on getting him. That day he wore buckskins and his long blond hair was loose, making him an easily identifiable target. Custer set his own trap and sprung it on himself.
photosynthesis
This landscape has a kind of bleak, haunted look to it - I'm not sure if that's because of it's almost mythic history or just the physical layout of the gravestones & the open land receding for as far as the eye can see behind them. A fine composition either way...
morningglory
Amazing and very sad photo. It must be very spiritual being there.
kbrog
Excellent landscape capture and info! :)
DamienDevil
Outstanding shot!
gaius
I've been there just once...but was mainly interested in the Sioux Indians' history. Thanks for sharing.