Forgotten Peacekeepers: The Story of the United States Constabulary in Germany

In writing this book, the author tells a little known story that deserves to be told. He presents a balance of historical fact and personal experience, taking the story of the U.S. Constabulary from planning to implementation, to successful achievement of goals, and gives it a well earned place in WWII history. In reading the book, you can't miss the great irony: that the impressive complex, known as the Ordensburg in Sonthofen, Germany, was built to prepare Nazi leaders. Instead, it served the cause of peace and became the training ground for this new type of elite and well prepared U.S. police-soldier, who played a key role in bringing Germany back after the ravages of war and helped to restore peace and democracy. In reading this interesting and well written book, you will share in the passion of the author who honors their contributions and assures that the Constabulary Trooper is NOT FORGOTTEN!!

The first half of the book describes the history of the kasernes supporting the Constabulary at the end of WWII. The second book is about what the book is entitled. All-in-all an interesting history of the kasernes and the Constabulary despite the somewhat misleading title.

152 pages: 1-20 is the index and intro, 27-73 are devoted to the history of Sonthofen under Nazi control, 144-152 are notes & references. That's half the book. The other half having to do with the Constabulary is focused primarily on the school at Sonthofen and a generic overview of the duties of the Constabulary. It lacks historical detail and depth.If you just want an overview of the Constabulary do an internet search of a free pdf of: "Mobility, Vigilance, and Justice: The US Army Constabulary in Germany, 1946-1953". It's better organized and to the point. It falls short of the history of the guys at an operational level but does a better job of presenting an overview of their history.I don't like doing negative reviews and do not mean to be critical of the author. At the same time I feel I owe it to others interested in this history to let them know. And owe it to the people who served in the Constabulary to let them know there are those of us who really want a better book on their operational history.

My husband was one of those 'Peacekeepers'. It was a revelation to me to realize what a successful program this was and that my young husband (married after he returned to the US) was part of it. He died last year without reading this book (did not know of its availability). I'm sure he would of been so proud and delighted with it.

The book relates nothing of the activity, work or daily life of the Constabulary Forces. Half of the book is tied up in telling the story of the Hitler Youth School that proceeded it and then quickly dispenses with most of the rest with a top down overview.The time from May 1945-1950 in Western Europe and Germany in particular, was an interesting time that has been largely ignored by historians. Time marches on and each day we lose living history as the people of this generation die or become incapacitated. This is a story that needs to be told, but this is not the book to do it.Don't waste your money unless you want half a book about the Hitler Youth Schools.

Having served in the Constabulary--1946-49--I was disappointed in "Forgotten Peacekeepers". Half the book was devoted to the history of the training school in Sondhofen and the other half was mostly from the memoirs of Gen. Harmon, the Constabulary commander. I was hoping for much more.

FORGOTTEN PEACEKEEPERS IS A TRUE STORY ABOUT THE OCCUPATION OF GERMANY 1946>1952. SPECIAL FORCES U.S. CONSTABULARY SPECIALLY TRAINED TO TAKE OVER THE SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY, BORDERS, GERMAN PEOPLE AND DISPLACED PERSONS. ALSO TO HELP THEIR GOVERMENTS AND LOCAL POLICE TO GET BACK ON THEIR FEET.IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN GERMANY AFTER COMBAT ENDED,YOU MUST READ FORGOTTEN PEACEKEEPERS. I READ IT AND RELIVED MY OWN TIME IN THE U.S CONSTABULARY AND MY WORK IN GERMANY. ALSO THE PEOPLE IN GERMANY WHAT THEY WERE GOING THROUGH THIS BOOK BOUGHT IT ALL BACK TO LIFE. IM GOING TO HAVE MY CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN READ IT TO KNOW AMERICA'S HISTORY FROM A VERY IMPORTANT TIME OF OUR NATION WORLD WAR 11. HOW THE CONSTABULARY DURING VERY DIFFICULT AND A VERY HARSH PERIOD CARRIED OUT OUR ORDERS TO STABILIZE GERMANY AND IT'S PEOPLE. OUR STORY SHOULD BE TOLD AND JOHN CAPONE DID JUST THAT IN THIS BOOK THAT HE WROTE FORGOTTEN PEACEKEEPERS.

"This story needed to be told. It is an important lesson in history and of a successful military mission. The Constabulary Troopers can be very proud that they so effectively served the cause of peace in Germany and helped to restore peace and democracy after the devastating effects of WWII. The author does a great service to help assure that the Troopers' contributions are recognized and that their service is not forgotten."