My photos are of the 24th Combat Engineering Battalion stationed at Johnson Barracks in Furth, Germany in the late 1950’s.  I was In Co. B, 3rd platoon. Being in the combat engineers we had quite the variety of duties some of which were: the laying and clearing of mine fields, building ball fields and golf courses, bridge building and many more projects. In 1959 our battalion bridged the Danube near Ingolstadt in record time. This record, driven by our commander Col. Pearce, stands, I believe to this day. Col. Pearce carried an ax handle to enforce his commands and he used it. I saw him knock a steel pot off of a 2nd lieutenant at that bridge site.  With my friends we skied at Garmisch, Germany, visited Holland, several Octoberfests and other interesting spots. My wife and I were married in Holland.  I hope that these photos will bring back memories and that my buddies of the 24th and others will enjoy them.

Jim Cordes
jmcordes@boreal.org