221

(SOVIET-AMERICAN LINK-UP AT THE ELBE)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
(SOVIET-AMERICAN LINK-UP AT THE ELBE)
<b>221. SOVIET-AMERICAN LINK-UP AT THE ELBE </b>A rare and fine grouping of eighteen candid photographs, each measuring 4" x 3" b/w soon after the first contacts between elements of the First Army's 69th. Infantry Division and members of the U.S.S.R's Fifth Ukrainian Division on the afternoon of April 25, 1945. The first face-to-face contacts had been made at around 11:30 that morning south of the town of Tourgau on the Elbe river. The following day, Major General Emil F. Reinhardt of the 69th. Infantry met with his Soviet counterpart, Major General Rusakov of the 58th. Guard Division. These photographs appear to have been taken either in the late afternoon of April 25, or the following day when a formal meeting took place between Reinhardt and Rusakov. Two of the images picture Reinhardt among American and Soviet officers, while others show various American and Soviet officers conversing and carrying on. Two images show a mounted Russian military band coming toward the meeting site. In one image, an American officer (possibly Rheinhart) poses for photos by Russian photographers on the banks of the Elbe with the church in Tourgau in the background. One image is marked on the verso: "<i>Censored, not for publication, Paul Wozniak, Capt. CAC</i>". We believe that Capt. Wozniak was the photographer of most of these images and seems to appear in a few himself. A few minor creases on a few images, otherwise very good condition.<b> $300-400</b>