Photo: US Ambassador to Russia, John Beyrle. Image from The Telegraph In World War II, He Fought For Two Armies -- NPR/AP
The Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War is dedicated to the Soviet victory in World War II. But on a recent afternoon, American military musicians made up half the band playing the national anthem at the opening of an exhibit telling the story of Joseph Beyrle, one of the few men to fight the Nazis in both the U.S. and Russian armies.
"A Hero of Two Countries" recalls how, 65 years ago, the American paratrooper escaped from a German POW camp and joined the Red Army, serving in a tank regiment.
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My Comment: This is a fascinating story, and a perfect symbol on how two different countries can work together in defeating a common enemy. On the flip side, I have found my father`s history of being a soldier and officer in the Soviet Army during the Second World War II a plus in opening many doors (and starting many conversations) in the West. In addition, the fact that many of my family members (uncle, cousins, etc.) fought in Afghanistan during the 1980s .... their input into this blog and my own education has been priceless and also a plus in opening many doors for me in both Canada and the U.S. when it comes to present day debates on Afghanistan.
US Ambassador to Russia, John Beyrle must be very proud of his father .... as I am of my own.