Hank and Terri Doktorski: 24th Constabulary Squadron, Part 2
Hank was assigned to the 24th Constabulary Squadron (Headquarters Company), the military patrol protecting the American Zone of West Germany along the West German (American)/East German (USSR) border. The border extended 225 miles from Coburg in the south to Hebemshausen in the north.
Map of West Germany (c. 1950). It was divided into three administrative sections: British, American and French. Bad Hersfeld, the headquarters of the 24th Constabulary Squadron, is in the center/right, on the Fulda River, not far from the Soviet border.
McPheeters Barracks, home of the 24th Constabulary Squadron.
Hank rose to the position of corporal and became a dependable radio operator. Sometimes he served as acting sergeant.
Hank made many friends in the army. Two became lifelong friends: George Poracky and Leonard Kuzniarek. This photo shows George and Hank (February 19, 1953)
Hank and Richard J. Stark.
Communications Department Picnic (Bad Hersfeld, May 1952). Top row: Leonard Kuzniarek, Fred Hennessey, Sergeant Castle, Thomas Root, Hank Doktorski. Middle row: Cletus Tappen, George Harper. Bottom row: Thomas Chew, Walter Chew, Charles Combs, Donald Linden, Charles Maynard.
24th Constabulary Squadron Communications Section. Top row: Cpl Herbert J. Koehler, Cpl Robert H. Carlson, Pfc Donald L. Linden, Pfc Thomas W. Root, Pfc Henry Doktorski. Middle row: Cpl Alexander Wisnieski, Pfc Ludwig Kuzniarek, Pvt Freric Hennessey, Pfc Harold F. Kuettner, Jr., Pvt Alvin L. Rhoads. Bottom row: Sfc Clifford G. Caldwell, Cpl Harvard D. Prickard, Cpl Bobby J. Pruitt, Pfc Charles L. Maynard, Pvt George J. Harper, Pvt Ralph Pititone, Pfc Thomas J. C. Chew, Sfc R. T. Childs.
On leave in Garmish: unknown sailor and Hank.
Wally Brewer, C. Keith Lindahl, and Hank tasting German beer and cocktails at Casa Carloca, “the most unique night club in the command.”
While on leave, Hank traveled to Vatican City where he had an audience with Pope Pius XII. (The white arrow at the right points to Hank’s head.)
| 24th Constabulary Squadron, Part 3 |
| Hank and Terri’s Home Page |