The Soviet Union posed a serious threat to Western Europe and American security following WWII. In 1947 the 1st Infantry Division and the U.S. Constabulary became major defenders of German freedom from Soviet aggression. In June 1950, when Communist North Korea invaded South Korea, fear of attack of West Germany arose due to the American commitment to South Korea. In 1951 the number of American troops in West Germany tripled. Having experienced troopship transport to Bremerhaven, Germany, men were greeted by a war-torn land. As they were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Bad Tölz, Darmstadt or Wuerzburg became home. The beauty of Germany and surrounding countries was surveyed during maneuvers, furloughs and assignments. Men returned home with newspapers and other publications they read. They captured hundreds of photographic images seen here for the first time as a collection all taken during the threat of a third world war.