US Army Europe

J. Anderson Collection

With the cessation of hostilities in 1945, the US military quickly shifted its role into that of an occupier and administrator of the former Nazi territories and peoples. With this came responsibilities of reconstruction, accountability, and using military elements to both police territories and deter further conflicts. As mediations and actions drew new lines across Europe and heralded in the Cold War, the military shifted from occupation duties to defense and security. Even after the end of the Cold War, the role of the US military remains an essential one in Europe today--from providing logistical support to various theaters of worldwide operations to homes to military families and support for NATO allies.

The units and duties that saw service in Europe from 1945 to the present day are vast and diverse, representing every military branch and the services and sacrifices of millions of Americans.

The insignia for the US Army Europe (USAREUR) is a flaming sword on a blue shield. This was adopted from the SHAEF patch, changing the black background to blue at the end of WWII to signify a new mission and a new future.

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Early Occupation 1945-1949

As the allied agreements shored up the zones of occupation in postwar Europe, a variety of combat and administrative units were tasked with establishing order, removing and holding to account the Nazi regime, serving displaced populations, and rebuilding the war-ravaged lands.

War Crimes Trials

The International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, Germany, was held from November 1945 to October 1946. Judges represented Britain, the USSR, France, and the US, with prosecution revealing the extent of Nazi war crimes. Twelve subsequent trials were also held at Nuremberg through 1948. Below are artifacts associated with the IMT, including insignia of the 6850th Internal Security Detachment, which provided security. The 1st Infantry Division was chosen to provide court security as well.

US Army Europe (USAREUR)

The US Army Europe command traces its lineage to the middle of World War II. With the Allied invasion of mainland Europe and the need to administer the newly-emancipated territories, Eisenhower created the Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, US Army (ETOUSA) in 1942. At the end of the war in 1945, ETOUSA was re-designated US Forces European Theater (USFET), which became the European Command (EUCOM) in 1947. This year the Army forces were designated US Army, Europe (USAREUR). Today, the command remains as US Army Europe and Africa, wearing the same shoulder insignia approved in 1945.

7th Army

The US 7th Army served in the early occupation of Germany c. 1945-1946, when it was deactivated and many units retasked to the Constabulary forces. As the Cold War progressed, the 7th Army was again activated and sent to Germany in 1950, where by 1952 it has largely absorbed the Constabulary forces. It has served continuously since 1950, in a variety of roles, and continues service in Europe today.

7th Army Master Sergeant unifrom from a Milwaukee veteran. According to oral tradition, he previously served as a driver to General Patton. The shoulder insignia is a nice German-made bullion example.

62nd Military Police (Highway Patrol)

The 62nd MP Company was part of the Army of Occupation and took over highway patrol duties c. 1951-1958. They patrolled rurar areas and provided assistance to motorists throughout the US Zone. Troopers wore the iconic white HP armbands and traveled in specially-marked police cars.

Communizations Zone (COMZ)

Logistics and supply were handled after World War II by the US Army Communications Zone, Europe (COMZ). Supply lines and depots stretched between France and German c. 1950-1960. In 1960, COMZ was reorganized as TASCOM (Theater Area Support Command).

Labor Service/Civilian Support

The Army of Occupation found itself in need of vast numbers of personnel after WWII to help rebuild, guard, maintain, patrol, and serve the growing infrastructure of the postwar era. Civilian Labor Serivce battalions were employed around Germany, first under the purview of the Military Government and later overseen by various installations.

SHAPE, NATO, Allies, & Modern

Establishing in 1951, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) led the military arm of the NATO coalition. This collection showcases items related to modern US and allied forces in Europe.