Charlie Battery - Kleingartach/Hardheim

23 Year Odyssey in Rural Germany - 1959 - 1982

Site News - Winter/Spring - 2020

CHARLIE3RD71ST.COM

SPRING - 2026

THE “ We're Still Kickin' ” EDITION

“A shining example of what a Cold War veteran's personal website can look like - good design; neat organization; historically informative narrative; great period photos - both color and black and white; overall a quality website that is fun to visit.”

16 Years Online And What a Ride...!

This May of 2026 marks the 16th Anniversary of our Charlie Battery website online, and the original goals of reconnecting those who served, as well as documenting the Nike contribution to winning the Cold War, has more than been met and satisfied. And just as it took us all to man that Nike Site, it took us all to contribute and make this Website a very good example of who we are and what we did.

I found the above quote while verifying the links on our Links pages. I included it here to illustrate the results of all of our contributions and efforts to make this a quality website. It seems to be one that is interesting, informative, and enjoyable, both to other veterans and the public at large.

Although it has been a while, I think there can be no better illustration of that camaraderie and spirit than the Reunion we had in Colorado Springs. The positive energy and good vibes were pervasive up until the end.

I think a shout Out has to be given to Don Yarbrough for all his efforts, he really made it happen several times. Don was with Delta Battery in Pforzheim... Thanks Don for all the hard work you did for the 3rd71st...! It still shows, especially with the warm glow of those great reunion memories and also on our Honor Roll.

And this website would not have the depth of content the breath of historical documentation without the help and interest of our good friends in Germany. Herbert Ade-Thurow, who came forward to contribute almost from the beginning, and Thomas Schulz has also provided our project with much of the historical documentation viewed on our archives page. Also, Thomas and Herbert along with Heuchelberg forester Jochen Rüb were the primary force behind establishing the historical information kiosks that are now on duty in the Barracks, IFC, and Launching areas, documenting and remembering our presence in the community. I mean, what better tribute of appreciation can there be than to be remembered in such a positive way. We did became part of the community and even contributed to its prosperity. For more in depth information about the Kiosk project “Click Here” to view the previous issue of Site News.

And I could not forget my dear friends Uli Pfingstler and Uwe Koch. Uli I knew when we were 19 year old kids. He lived in Brackenheim and we became good friends until his passing a few years ago. I still miss our friendship very much. Uwe Koch I came to know through working on the website and Thomas Schulz. We have become very good friends, and I have enjoyed spending wonderful times with he and his wife Sibylle in the Kleingartach, Niederhofen, Schwaigern Tri-village area. >>>

16 Years Cont'd

And finally to you all the wealth of photo documentation is what really makes this website. Like the huge manila envelope full of photos I received in the mail from Jim Fitzpatrick was a joy to behold, and is what really brought the website to life. But even the 4 or five photos contribution made a difference. Like those I received from Hans Roper, who as a kid, would ride around Karlsruhe on his bike taking photos. He and Wade Butler, son of MSG James Butler, launching area platoon Sgt., provided us with the only images I’ve seen of the Alpha battery launching area at Gerszewski Barracks. 1959...Very Early days wise. So “Click Here” to view that mosquito infested bog along the River Rhine. It’s a wonder that those who had to walk guard didn’t come back chalk white drained by those little blood sucking vampire insects... Not fun...! Anyway, thank you everyone.

New Photos From Hardheim

Happy to announce the addition of the Charlie battery Hardheim Annual Service Practice at the NATO missile firing range on the Island of Crete in the Mediterranean. The photos are in the TDY section along with Kleingartach’s ASP. They are great photos and have been provided by Randy Myers, Spec 5 (1975-1979), who worked in assembly. Randy is a great guy and I always enjoy our conversations, and he has many great stories of his time in Hardheim. He lives in Georgia and spends a good deal of his time restoring his antique car collection. There are 3 pages of great photos, so be sure to check them out. You can “Click Here” to view these photos.

So you Hardheimers who served with Randy, here's a great opportunity to reconnect and remember your time. And maybe, just maybe you will remember some old photos that you have stored away in an old footlocker and share them with the rest of us.

And finally, thank you Randy, we are glad you found the website, signed in on the Guestbook, and shared your photos, they are a real contribution to our story.
And so, in the meantime...