J. Anderson Collection
J. Anderson Collection

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.
J. Anderson Collection

War Crimes Trials
J. Anderson Collection

US Army Europe (USAREUR)
J. Anderson Collection

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. It has served continuously since 1950, in a variety of roles, and continues service in Europe today.
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J. Anderson Collection

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.
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J. Anderson Collection

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).
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J. Anderson Collection

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.
J. Anderson Collection

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.