Here's something worth taking a look ...

[Mark Allen M]

... I used Google translate and it states: "1947, Ernest Kreiling a GI returns to the places where he fought in the North-East of France in Lorraine"
Photos : Anthony Linck - LIFE Collections

A lot of emotion looking at these photos. (there's what looks the be a P-51 Mustang in the series for those worried about the 'warbird connection')

[Steve Nelson]

That P-51 would be considered a viable restoration project today...

SN

[JohnB]

And have a six-figure price tag!

[Michel Lemieux]

The pictures are highly interesting Mark...Tks as always.

It does give a sensor of what post WW2 Europe looked like!!!

But they do look somewhat staged for a reason. Wonder why????

Always the same 2 subjects and definitively shot by a 3rd party.

Wonder what is the story behind???

[hbtcoveralls]

I recall this was a Life Magazine story.

They married but decided to see Europe and the places he fought

seems an odd thing to do this soon after the war, and dangerous at that

I can't imagine how much unexploded ordnance,boobytraps, and land mines they might have turned up

Tom Bowers

[JimH]

70 years + is still an emotional pilgrimage...I can't image returning after actually fighting there

[Dave Hadfield]

I hope she jollied him out of the black memories...

[Ken]

Very worthwhile. Thanks for sharing a side of war & the human condition few stop to consider.

Ken

[Richard W.]

Super set, Mark. Thanks

I love long photo essays. Only one or two pictures don't really tell a story.

Nobody did it better than LIFE.

[wendovertom]

Great photos - thanks Mark! It does seem a little odd to go back so fast - but then maybe it was the best thing for him. I would think that it was pretty kind of the locals to have them for a meal - I would imagine they were still pretty destitute themselves.
The mustang is cool but those German tanks would be worth a mint today. . .

Tom P.

[Robbie Stuart]

Another great effort by you there Mark. Thanks!
Anyone have an idea on the identity of that aircraft wreckage?
Robbie

[AG pilot]

One of your best posts ever, thanks again! The images do convey a feeling that is hard to describe, other than sadness.

[Mark Allen M]

Your always welcome folks. Glad to be able to do it, and I certainly appreciate the fact that so many others out there in cyberspace find these old photos and make them accessible to goofballs like myself. I take NO credit ever.

Thanks again

[seagull61785]

The fighting around this area of North-Eastern France starting to get much tougher as the Allies advanced. Nothing compared to the terrible casualties among the US soldiers in the later battles of the Huertgen Forest and the Ardennes, which claimed an incredible toll. The Battle of the Bulge is still widely remembered but the Huertgen has largely been forgotten although it was much tougher.

We should never forget any of these sacrifices - they truly were a very special generation of men.


At the going down of the sun - and in the morning - we will remember them.

[Scott Rose]

Neat stuff. Interesting to see some postwar images.