On the occasion of last year’s 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, representatives of the city of Pilsen came to thank him in New York, where the Czech Center set up an exhibition, reception and concert.

“Although time is running out very quickly, the people of Pilsen have never forgotten the American soldiers who brought them freedom and returned joy to life 76 years ago. You were one of the first to enter Pilsen, and together with other members of the 16th Armored Division you witnessed unforgettable moments that unite Americans and Czech citizens to this day, “said Mayor Martin Baxa.

War veteran Robert Muthersbaugh, a 23-year-old at the end of the war, was among the first to enter Pilsen in May 1945. He held the position of radio operator of the command company of the 16th Armored Division, which arrived within the 3rd Army of General George Patton. During the war, he was awarded the “Bronze Star Medal”, which is the fourth most important award for courage and heroism. Although he celebrated his 100th birthday in October, his memories of a nice reception by the people of Pilsen are still alive. He remembers the enthusiastic and grateful crowds that he had seen in Pilsen only.

“We arrived at the port of Le Havre in France on February 19, 1945. We quickly moved to Reims and Verdun and then to an area near Mainz, Germany. We then advanced to Nuremberg, where we were supported by the 80th Infantry Division, then we reached Pilsen via Rozvadov, Tachov, Stříbro and Bor. We entered Pilsen on May 6, 1945 around eight o’clock in the morning. I think that our armored vehicle was one of the first to get to Pilsen. We stayed here until September 1945, “said Robert Muthersbaugh in his memoirs. Their friend Martin Plavec, who passed on congratulations from the city of Pilsen to the veteran, recorded the memoirs in a contribution of the Czech Center in New York blog.

Taken from plzen.eu