Alpine Eagles by John Shaw

May 1945: We made it. The feeling in the air was electric when American troops reached Berchtesgaden, Germany in early May 1945. Once, these Alps were “Flak Alley,” a threatening “Alpine Redoubt.” But now the war in Europe is won and this storybook land is again a playground.

As the paratroopers of Easy Company, 506th P.I.R., 101st Airborne tour the newly-liberated “Eagle’s Nest,” the flyboys of the 325th Fighter Group, the famed “Checkertail Clan,” buzz past with a wave.

Peace will take some getting used to. The sound of gunfire has been replaced by the pop of champagne bottles and the pilots can now soar without looking over their shoulders. Victory is here—finally. And the party has just begun.