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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 (18)
Richardphotos
very interesting information Sig and a superb capture
soffy
I agree with Richard, interesting info and excellent shot*****
bmac62
A place I've heard of but never got to visit (which probably was good). Not sure Americans "used these",...when American ground forces were in the area, bunkers like these would have been of very minimal tactical use. On the other hand, soldiers of the Republic of South Vietnam could have found use for them.
junge1
Yes, good point Bill.
bazza
What a fabulous place pity it has such a sad history.. Great capture Sig
Faemike55
and now they are a tourist trap... amazing how far along this has gone... Great capture
auntietk
How interesting to see these old bunkers! They're so different from what we've got here on the coast ... those massive Endicott installations ... and it's fascinating to see how other people constructed their safe havens. Great shot!
starship64 Online Now!
Great capture.
nefertiabet
Wow, very interesting shot and info Sig..
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
adrie
Great photoshot and POV my friend.
illkirch
Looks like a touristic place now. Nice shot
farmerC
Shining shot.
ontar1
Interesting info and outstanding capture!
junge1
There is a tunnel there now that allows for an easier way to go north and/or south, but the scenic way is to go over the summit!
debbielove
I have read about this place, briefly.. Never seen it in person as such.. Thanks for showing me Sig! Super photo.. Rob
flavia49
fabulous shot
danapommet
A wonderful view of the pass Sig and a great place to put a souvenir stand! :o)