U.S. MILITARY OCCUPATION IN GERMANY ENDS
Ehrenbreitstein, Germany (JFK+50) On January 24, 1923, United States troops were withdrawn from the Rhine "ending American military participation in the occupied area" of Germany.
At noon local time the American flag was hauled down from the Castle of Ehrenbreitstein* by direction of Major General Henry T. Allen**, assisted by four sergeants who fought at the Battle of the Marne.
The castle had served as American military headquarters since the beginning of the occupation. U.S. troops boarded the transport St. Mihiel for their return home.
Associated Press reports high commissioners for the Rhineland representing Great Britain and Belgium did not attend the ceremonies "because they could not bear to witness...the breaking of so many close ties."
*Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is located on the east bank of the Rhine overlooking the town of Koblenz. It was considered to be the backbone of regional fortitude.
**Major General Harry Tureman Allen (1859-1930) was born in Sharpsburg, Kentucky & graduated West Point 1882. HTA served in the Spanish-American War & WWI.
SOURCE
"Old Glory Hauled Down In Germany," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 24, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
