We had a small firing range outside the camp we used to keep qualified, and when the mess personnel would bring out our meals - there were always five or six displace people standing at the end of the line near the garbage cans.  We helped however we could, but this was very sad to witness.

Then I received my Regular Commission and was transferred to Heilbronn, Germany with the 867th FA Bn, a 280mm Field Artillery (Atomic Cannon) Battalion.  These big heavy guns could shoot an atomic round 20-25 miles - and were mounted on a huge carriage unit that was pushed and pulled at the same time by two trucks at each end.  While out on maneuvers, the two drivers would have to communicate with each other constantly to get through the narrow streets and traffic.  But sometimes we would cut it too close and take a little corner off buildings.  We actually had a special unit that went ahead of us to test whether the bridges could handle the our weight.  The Russians weren't allowed to be in our area, but every once in a while we would spot a sedan of Russian military - and we'd have to call the MP's.  This was the time when you never knew if and when the Russians were going to attack.  

I bought a used car after Jan joined me in Germany, and was surprised to be handed a pack of papers when I picked up the license plates.  When I opened the envelope I found some maps and instructions for Jan - in case the Russians invaded, she was to take our newborn son and another wife with her - and drive the car to the coast for evacuation.  With the amount of atomic weapons targeting that area, most of Germany, including my unit, probably would not have survived if the Russians had attacked - and we'd actually had to use those big guns."