Hawkins Barracks Oberammergau, Germany

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Formally an Army Intelligence center was transferred to the Bundeswehr as an administration school in 1975. A NATO Special Weapons School still exists on the grounds

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  37 Responses to “Hawkins Barracks Oberammergau, Germany”

  1. Jack Hayne says:
    May 20, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    I was stationed at O’gau Special Weapons Dept 1961-1963 as an instructor of air defense systems. Family consisted of wife Pearl, daughter Nancy and son Mitchel. Set up the amateur radio station in the Hq building and taught electronic classes there. Joined the local fencing club the first week after we arrived. Navy Captain E.T. Stonecifer was head of the department. Lcol Schwalje was my immediate superior. Stan Bush and I taught the air defense subjects. It was one of the best assignments for our family. Retired upon return to the States and worked for Grumman Aerospace as project engineer designing symulators. Email: jhayne49@ieee.org. Would love to hear form any one remembering the Hayne family.

    Reply
  2. Steve says:
    May 1, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    We were in O’gau from Jan 62 – May 65. My dad was the MP School director. I was in 7-9 Grades in Garmisch, then 10th as a dorm student in Munich High school. My first real job in life: Dish Washer at the Officer’s club, then two summers working for Anton Preisinger at the Hotel Alte Post bar serving beer and soda, both paid $0.50 an hour. I’ve been back, several times: took my wife in 1982, my parents and kids in 1994, attended a NATO school class in 1997.

    Regrets? Can’t seem to put faces to the names of folks who were there during that time. Folks I remember: Family Laske and Evans (Lived across the stairwell from us), JoAnne, Wayne McCrea, Susie Donavon, Nancy Myers, Gilbert, Diane Tuttle, Wendy and Todd from Murnau, sure there’s more but I forget :-)

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  3. Paul Johnson says:
    April 28, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    I was stationed in Ogau from 1/70 to 4/71. Back then, I was SGT E-5 Johnson, an instructor in the Weapons Assembly Department (WAD), 8″ Branch. It was a great place with wonderful people. I only wish I had appreciated it then.

    Reply
  4. Doug Klobe says:
    February 24, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Taught in the Weapons Assembly Department from ’62 to ’64. No need to pay homage to the incredible scenery and great surroundings that drew one out on the Laber and Kofel during the summers and provided superb skiing in winters both locally and on the Zugspitz and across Austria (drivable in one day from O’gau) plus the opportunity to befriend both locals and a constant stream of visitors from across Europe plus an occasional American.

    Served under Colonel Tom Worley with Major Waller, Capts. Homer Van Zandt, Dick Clark and Doug Wilson; and Sgts. Lupjak (a fearless airborne type and a foolhardy menace on downhill skis), Chapman, O’Brien and various other motley characters (Dennis McDermit, Tom Dressler, Al Demeur [sorry, Al, never did get confident with the spelling], Phil Cook, John Speed, the Rosengren twins and many, many others.

    I’ve avoided returning because I want to remember it the way it was, populated by the people who made it what it was.

    Reply
  5. THUR TURNER says:
    February 23, 2012 at 3:44 am

    I WAS STATIONED IN OGAU IN 1960 WITH THE 142ND M.P.’S OUR HEADQUARTER WAS IN GARMISH. WE WERE GIVEN A SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT
    TO PATROL THE AREA FROM GARMISH- OGAU AND MURNAU.OUR PRIMARY
    ASSIGNMENT WAS TO ASIST THE VISITING GENERAL AND DIGNATARIERS
    WHO ATTENDED THE PASSION PLAY. I ATTENDED THE TAPS SCHOOL AND
    LATER WORKED TRAFFIC PATROL IN A WHIITE CHEVY WITH A GREEN CROSS ON THE SIDE.IIT WAS A WONDERFUL ASSIGNMENT .LATER WE WERE SENT BACK TO GARMISH AND I RETURNED TO THE U.S.IN 1953.I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANY OF MY PATROL PARTNERS SIINCE MY DISCHARG.I WONDER IF ANY ARE STILL AROUND.

    Reply
    • Jim Silvia says:
      April 27, 2012 at 9:49 am

      I was stationed in O’gau, a driver in the motor pool, from Brooklyn, NY. I do remember the name Turner who was a MP. I married a girl from Bad Kohlgrub and stayed until 1964. Another guy you many remember was John Piazza, motor pool, he was also from Brooklyn.
      Anyway, I became a cop in NYC after I got out.

      Jimmy Silvia

  6. Neuman Jones says:
    January 14, 2012 at 10:41 am

    I was a SSGE-6 and an instructor in the ADM Forward assembly course from September 1969 until June 1972. Some of the other instructors were William Pacciocco, William Barry, Dan Hypes, Fred Lopnow, Lt. Andrew Rhoades, William Cahaney. It was the highlight of my 20 year Army career and the entire weapons assembly department was like a big family and it is so sad that everyone loses contact in a very short time.

    Reply
    • James(Hoot) Gibson says:
      February 17, 2012 at 9:21 pm

      It looks like I just missed you in the ADM course.I was there in the spring of 1969. I was with the 317th Engr Bn in Camp Eschborn, just outside Frankfurt.None of the names you mentioned are familiar, but only being there for 2 weeks over 40 years ago didn’t give much time to get to know everyone.I didn’t keep my graduation certificate, so I can’t say exactly when I was there.I remember walking down through Oberammergau during the weekend I stayed over and being amazed as to the beauty of the town.I have described it as walking through a picture postcard!. Is there any chance any records were kept of the students in the ADM classes?Our ADM platoon is still having reunions, with the next one scheduled for this fall at Padre Island TX. We usually have about 20 platoon members each time.Does Gary Ullom or Ed Wettig sound familiar? Both were platoon sgts in the ADM platoon at different times. I could talk forever but I better hush.

    • james romine says:
      April 15, 2012 at 12:05 pm

      wow, i was stationed at camp eschborn 11-68-05-70…dont remember any of those names either. i was in “b” co.

  7. Garon Strong says:
    January 10, 2012 at 11:50 am

    My father was stationed at Hawkins Barracks from 63 to 65. I had a blast as a kid living on “the economy”. We lived on Bonhof strasse near the bridge. I went back to visit in 1980 when I was assigned the the 1st IDF at Cooke Barracks. A lot had changed and I was not allowed to set foot on the caserne but downtown was a differnt story, everyone I met was happy to see me return and I found some old friends who got me center front tickets to the Passion Play. I will never forget the play or the gaggle of nuns from Limerick Ireland I was sitting amongst. They thought my dear departed Irish grandmother should have been horse whipped for not ensuring I was raised as a fine Catholic lad.
    Anyone from that era wanna drop me a line or find me on facebook ur welcome.

    Reply
    • Steve Murphy says:
      April 6, 2012 at 11:27 am

      Hi Garon. My father was stationed at Hawkins Barracks from 1960 to 1964. I’m wondering if we knew of each other. Your name is not familiar ,though. Were you in grade school or older? I went to the school that was across from the housing area.

  8. Alison Roberts says:
    December 16, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    As a post university student from Canada, I got a job as a bartender for the Officer’s Mess in Hawkins’s Barracks. What a great place and the people were so nice. The German cook in the Officer’s Mess was a drunk who swore a great deal! I remember the square dancers one night performing in front of all the brass. Someone had overly waxed the floor, and the dancers went spinning all over the place. I felt really sorry for the young boys coming home from the Vietnam War who were really shattered by their experiences in that country- many losing good friends. My girlfriend who was travelling with me ended up marrying one of the GI’s when they were back in the States. I have very fond memories of my time there. I met a terrific officer, Major Richard Jones who was stationed in Italy, but had come up for a NATO meeting. He was able to tell me about Vietnam. I am a teacher now in Canada, and use my experiences within the camp to highlight lessons about the war. Has anybody heard of Major Jones????? I went back to Germany in the 2002 and tried to revisit the camp, but they told me that it was unavailable for touring- what a shame!

    Reply
    • Don Pruitt says:
      December 17, 2011 at 7:02 am

      Hi Alison, I worked for a major Richard Jones during the early 1970′s in Bremerhaven. He was Afro American, and a career Military Police Officer. If this is the same Major Jones you are referring to, I remember him as a fine Officer and gentleman. I was his right hand man as Provost Marshal Operations Sergeant in Bremerhaven. Merry Christmas.

  9. Rex Wilt says:
    December 16, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    In August 1970 I was assigned to the HQ at Hawkins Barracks as an information specialist. We published a newspaper and also were responsible for the operation of the photo facility. It was great duty! I left there 31 Jan 1972 when I got out of the Army. I took a “European out” (my wife is Belgian) and we spent time travelling until May of ’72. I took our oldest daughter (she was born in Munich) back to O’gau five years ago. My dad ( a WWII vet) helped liberate the Dachau Concentration camp and spent a couple of weeks in what became Hawkins Barracks.

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  10. Don Pruitt says:
    December 2, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    I attended the Military Police School there on two occasions, 1963 and 1967. It was quite an experience. I drove my Porsche down there in 63, and arrived as the Oktoberfest was being held in Munich. We were released to go for the weekend and I headed to Munich. Upon arriving in Munich for the first time, I was stopped by a cute German lady who asked me to let her into my car. She directed me across town to the fest and I enjoyed more German beer than the law allows. It was a nice time for a young soldier. The German people treated me nice during that time and I wound up spending over 13 years in Germany during my military career. The mountain behind Hawkins Brks was beautiful. I also enjoyed zipping through the mountains in my Porsche between Oberammergau and Garmisch. Great times.

    Reply
  11. Jose E. Pena says:
    December 1, 2011 at 8:35 am

    I went to military police traffic school back in Febuary of 1969, and I loved the place a lot. Then I returned to Zweibrucken Germany for the rest of my tour. Great school and great place in germany to visit. From There you can visit Garmisch. Jose E. Pena

    Reply
  12. Tony Dildy says:
    September 23, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    I was stationed at O’Gau from 1961-1964. I worked/ran the dispensary. I remember several people: Captain Douthit, the Whaleys, Carolyn Brubaker, Veronica Mullins,
    all the folks in our square dance group, the Evans family and in particular their son who fell down the face of a mountain breaking both arms. I was on duty that day and climbed up to where he had landed and stabilized his fractures and stayed with him until the agerman mountain rescue people got him down off the ledge he had landed on. It was a great period in my life.

    Reply
    • Garon Strong says:
      January 10, 2012 at 11:53 am

      You may remember my Dad, Sp4 James Strong, he was an MP on the front gate most days. His German counterpart was Herman Sadlemeir.

  13. John Walters says:
    August 1, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    I passed through O’gau twice while in the Army. First time was Nov 1967 for a 3 week quickie course for combat arms S-2′s. Then right after Jan 1, 1968, I went back for the German Language Course. Drove down from Frankfurt in the worst snow storm Germany had experienced in decades, so only about 1/2 the class actually arrived. It made for a great student/teacher ratio, though. The class was divided up among 4 language teachers and so there were only 4 or 5 of us in my ‘section”. One was Dwight Renzma; a SP4 whose last name was Happy; one whose name I don’t remember, and myself. My instructor was Herr Rudnicki, a wonderful older gentleman and excellent instructor. The school commandant was a Col. Lane at that time. The country side was beautiful and I really enjoyed exploring some of the local castles (Linderhof, Newschwanstein, etc.) and the local gasthauses. I sort of had a family connection to O’gau in that my father and his mother (my grandmother) spent the summer of 1938 in O’gau, staying right on main street at Pension Daheim. So after getting settled in, I paid them a visit and they hauled out their old guest registers and found where they had registered. My dad was a real out doors lover, so he made friends easily with the local lads and did a lot of cross country hiking in the hills down there. Pension Daheim was owned by the Lange family, and they almost had a “lock” on all the good parts in the Passion Play. I think many of their descendants still do. I managed to get back for the 1970 Passion Play and found it a great experience. I think I went on a gloomy day in June, and the first 2 or 3 rows down front were all occupied by nuns–the kind with the Flying Nun type head gear. Well, about 1/2 way through the morning portion of the play, a vicious snow squall blew through town, and by the first intermission, those nuns were literally white from head to toe. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the language school, and the instruction was so superb that even now I can get around Germany pretty well using what I learned there. Of course, the Army being the Army, as soon as I graduated, I was sent to Viet Nam so Uncle Sam never got his investment back for those 4 great months.

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  14. Bob Ludewig says:
    July 26, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    Bob ludewig wants to make a correction of years served in Ogau at Hawkins barracks in 1957 to 1959.

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  15. Mo says:
    July 11, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    My uncle, Lt. Col. Ted Sanders, was the commandant in Oberamergau beginning in the fall of 1962. He informed us he was transferring to Oberamergau but we did not hear from him or his family again. I am looking for anyone who may have known Ted or his family. He was married to Eloise and had six kids. If you have any information about Ted I would love to hear from you.
    Ted’s niece,
    Mo Sanders

    Reply
  16. Bill Hicklin says:
    June 8, 2011 at 1:20 am

    I grew up in O’gau/Hawkins Barracks. My dad was an instructor at the NATO Weapons Systems School 1968-73. I attended 2nd through 6th grade at Olson Elementary down the hill from the main gate. Mr Gibson is right- like living in a postcard. Saw the Passion Play in 1970 though I don’t really remember it. We were good friends with “St Peter,” the woodcarver Hermann Haser.

    Reply
    • kasha says:
      June 28, 2011 at 7:46 am

      Hi, I lived in Ogau 1955 to 1963, my father was a Instructor with the Det/R;
      we moved to Garmisch when they moved the school to sheridan Baracks ; it becoming the Russian Institute.I remember a Principal Mr. Benson. My first grade teacher was a Ms. Honda. You attenden Garmisch Jr. High and MHS.?

    • Bob Thompson says:
      September 29, 2011 at 10:43 am

      I lived in Hawkins Barracks Family Housing from summer 63 to summer 66; then moved to Kimbro Kaserrne (Murnau) from summer 66 to summer 67. I attended Olsen Elementary School in 4th, 5th and 6th grade; then attended Garmisch Jr High from 66 – 67. My elementary school principal (and 5th grade teacher) was Mr. Van Zee. Mr Benson was my 7th grade Social Studies teacher.

    • Livia Leighton says:
      January 3, 2012 at 11:05 am

      Bob,

      Look up Ogaukids on Facebook. This is a group of us that were stationed there, from the late 60s to early 70s. I’m sure you will be surprised at just how many of us are on it. I only went to 4th grade there in 66/67 and was in German schools from then on. We are having a mini reunion in Savannah, Georgia in May, so far only 5 but I know more will be jumping in……..You have to request to be added to the Ogaukids, as it is a closed group. Good Luck.

      Livia (Living just 20 minutes north of Oberammergau now!)

    • Livia Leighton says:
      January 3, 2012 at 11:17 am

      Bill,

      same goes for you…. try Ogaukids on Facebook…closed group so you must
      request to be added. I’m positive you’ll find some old friends there.

      Livia

    • Alyson Wijers Haywood says:
      January 4, 2012 at 8:47 am

      Hi Bill Hicklin, My father was a NATO Instructor from 1967 to 1979, You name rings a bell. Is your Father still alive? if so ask him if he remembers Major Haywood.
      He was a British officer. I also remember Herr Hauser the wood carver.
      There is also an Ogau kids sight on facebook, as Livia said in a post on here, a lot of O´gau friends have been found again.

    • Alyson Wijers Haywood says:
      January 4, 2012 at 11:10 am

      PS Bill wasn´t your father also called Bill and your mother Marion? I have just spoken to my parents, my father remembers your father very well. They used to work together.

    • Bill Carrington says:
      January 4, 2012 at 5:45 pm

      I too remember the Hicklins, Alyson. Our fathers all worked there at the same time. Bill you may have gone to school with one of my younger brothers, or sister.

    • Charlotte Mcdonald Mack says:
      January 5, 2012 at 11:52 am

      Hello Bill, Sounds like u and I were in Ogau the same time period mr Benson took our class to see the 1970 Passion Play Never will forget we had the front roll seating where the opening was. well, it happened to rain that day we got wet.

    • Alyson Wijers Haywood says:
      March 13, 2012 at 1:41 pm

      Hi again Bill don’t know if you read these comments but I have a photo of you from your recent stay in Ogau.

  17. Richard Hyatt says:
    May 12, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    Luckily I was kicked out o the 11th ABN in Augsburg and transfered to Oberammergau in 1956 after arriving as part of the forward element.

    I refused to attend their local operated jump school after seeing paratroopers strung out over the autobahn and field next to the autobahn and dam near run over by automobiles and trucks.
    I was in the 506th Abn Regt 101 st Div before operation Gyroscope, so I had been through all the training but hadn’t made any jumps from planes yet.
    We sat on window sills in out barracks and saw these guys litterly dumped in the autobahn and field as far as the ASA antennas at the far end of that field, and I said NO way will I junp from those C119′s like the guys the day before and was threatened with the worst assignment they could possably get for me. I said go ahead and where did I land for the next three years, in The USAREUR INTMPSW School in beatufull Oberammergau.
    I figured what the hell I’m already a E-1 had been busted back at Ft Jackson prior tp reporting to Campbell for onward movement and had nothing to lose except maybe my life and a few body parts.
    Stayed in Oberammergau for three years and reenlisted for my own vacancy.
    Worked in the motor pool Drove for the Post Commandant and the USAREUR G2 and many other General Officers.
    Met my wife of 53 years there as well.

    Great Assignment.

    Reply
    • Bob Ludewig says:
      July 25, 2011 at 3:52 pm

      I was stationed at Ogau at the same time that your were as a securtiy gaurd then I went to special weapons in Septemeber of 1967 to March of 1969. I saw that you posted and I just wanted to give you and answer. I thought I had a good assingment like you did. I live in Ohio now wife of 46 years now.

  18. Bill Kingman says:
    April 26, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Hi, I was assigned to HQ, AFRC in Garmisch and through agreemets between commands I was attached to HHC USASCHEUR, Oberammergau from October 1967 to December 1968. I worked in personnel on the third floor of the HQ building handling applications for Warrant Officer, NCOLP, Officer appointments, reenlistments, etc.. Recently returned with my wife to see the Passion Play in September 2010, ironically the 1SG of HHC in 1967-68 still lives in Oberammergau and just appeared in his 3rd Passion Play. His name is Jimmie Leighton and he will turn 80 in 2011. I was able to take my wife through Hawkins Barrcks and give her the tour showing her the various buildings as I remembered them. It was great reminiscing for me and a new adventure for my wife. She can now understands when I make references to my time in O’Gau and the different places where I’ve been. Miss those nights out at the Scotch Club in Garmisch. It’s still there, but now it’s a men’s club. Great time, recommend it to all.

    Reply
    • James Gibson says:
      May 21, 2011 at 2:35 pm

      Hi Bill, I don’t know you but I sure do envy you! Spending that much time in Oberammergau should make you feel special. I was at Hawkins Barricks in the spring of 1969 for 2 weeks while attending the ADM (Atomic Demolition Munition) Forward assembly course. I was stationed with the 317th Engr Bn in Camp Eschborn, just outside of Frankfurt from Jan 69-May71. Oberammergau is the prettiest place I have ever been on earth! I explained it to anyone that would listen that I felt like I was walking through a picture post card there.The weekend I stayed over there, I just walked down the hill into town and fell in love with the place.One of my former 317th buddies went back there in 2000 on his honeymoon and went to the Passion Play.Unfortunately, I never got to see it live but he did copy me a set of the many pictures he took. He timed his trip so that they could go to Munich for Octoberfest.If you have pictures of O”gau, I sure would love to see them. “Hoot” Gibson jadagi1@aol.com

    • Bill Kingman says:
      June 9, 2011 at 8:40 am

      Hey Jim,
      You’re right, it is a beautiful place and I’m greatful for having had the opportunity to be assigned there. Unfortunately, I was just a young G.I. who did not realize where I was or appreciate the opportunity available to me. Sometimes it takes getting older to make one appreciate things, fortunately for me I got a second chance because of my wonderful wife who insisted that we go to Germany and the Passion Play. She had to listen to me for years talking about my experience in Oberammergau and she loves the mountains, so we made the trip and a great trip it was. Life is short, make the opportunity happen and enjoy life, my friend. Bill

  19. Edward Barrett says:
    April 20, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Was assigned to HQ Co, USASCHEUR in mid 1965, later transferred down to A Co in Murnau (Kimbro Kaserne). Worked in the unit supply room.

    Reply

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