After VE Day

With the final collapse of the German Wehrmacht and the unconditional surrender of Germany, the Team's job was not yet finished. Moving to the Pöcking airfield, the Battalion underwent a program of rehabilitation and recreation for over a month. Recreational tours, movies, live shows, baseball, volleyball, and, incidentally, a training schedule occupied our time.

In June the Battalion was designated a Cat. IV unit - scheduled for eventual demobilization. However, while awaiting shipment back to the US the Battalion was assigned to Security Guard of Eggenfelden Kreis. There Lt. Col. Charles H. Sargent, Jr., who had led the Team since its activation, left the Battalion to go back to the States. Maj. Thomas R Cox, who has also been with the Battalion since it was activated, assumed command. The "Team" moved from Eggenfelden Kreis in July to take over Dingolfing, Mallersdorf and Landau Kreis.

At long last, in August the Battalion was alerted for shipment to the US. High point men and officers were transferred into the Battalion to bring it up to 10% over strength. Lt. Col. James L. Baker, from the 68th AAA Group, became commanding officer.

The Battalion will leave on the first leg of its trip back to the US on 9 September. No exact sailing date has been set yet, but it is believed that the Rabbs will be trying out their sea-legs before the end of September.