Morrison Historical Society again will host Wolf Koch for the final Program Season, on Sunday November 19, 2023, to honor our past and current Veterans. Koch’s World War II topic describes an impactful day of U. S. Army resolve and teamwork. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. for his 1:30 program, at Morrison’s Heritage Museum, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.
Newspaper headlines in 1945 hinted at the drama and bravery of American military units, begun on one day, which stymied Adolph Hitler’s destructive plans to conquer Europe. They read:
* U. S. 1st Army Captures the Last Surviving Bridged Across the Rhine!
* March 7, 1945, U. S. 1st Army Captures Bridge Across the Rhine!
* The 9th Armored Division Hastens the End of War!
His presentation is based on eye witness accounts and interviews, histories of the 1st Army and the 9th Armored Division, as well as several books written by historians on both sides of the conflict. It includes original photos and film clips, as well as interviews from U. S. Army and German archives.
Koch grew up in the Rhine River valley in Oberwinter, now a suburb of Remagen, and immigrated to this country more than six decades ago. He recalls accounts by family members and friends about the fight around the bridgehead. He served as an Officer in the U. S. Air Force and was stationed for four years at Bitburg Air Force Base, not far from the Remagen site.
