Stanley Hopkins

The 16th Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army in World War II. In its one and only combat operation, the 16th Armored Division liberated the city of Plzen in western Czechoslovakia (today the Czech Republic), an operation that influenced the landscape of post-war Europe. Here is a part of their “welcome” letter: 

15 July 1943 

The 16th Armored Division extends you greetings: Welcome to your new assignment. To most of you men, the Army is still a very new and different life from that which you formerly led. For sometime to come, this will be your home. While you are here, I expect you to work hard during duty hours and play equally as hard during off-duty hours, keeping the thought always in mind that you are learning to be well disciplined troops, with strong, healthy bodies. Remember also that uniform you wear has been worn in past years with honor among all men. Don’t, by any personal act, defame that which has known such great respect. Hit the line hard and we will together build a great honorable fighting unit. Good Luck! 

 DOUGLAS T. GREENE, Major General, Commanding.