My father, Will Hoppe, died a few days ago. I put up this site for him in 2010, to share with the world the booklet he and Bob McKean created. He got a kick from my reports of the comments left here, and I enjoyed hearing the memories they sparked in him. At one point, he told me that the booklet was his best work. I’ve posted his obituary and some of his “lesser” work on willhoppe.com

“Whoop” (Will HOPPE)

Will Hoppe in 2010

Here’s the front and back of a small photo of my dad, Will Hoppe.

Click on the photo to read what Will wrote to his grandparents back in Brooklyn.

Paul Anesto’s daughter Crystal has asked that I post this picture of her father at Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in hope to identify any of the other soldiers.

You can click on the photo to make it larger. Anyone?

Will Hoppe’s handwriting on the back says “Merkin, De Murjian, and myself. Merkin is a Bklyn boy, too.”

Please use the comments to help identify the soldiers in this photo!

View 286 Engineering Combat Battalion in a larger map

Based on a map produced in June 1945 by the father of Arthur Alexander of Brooklyn, NY.

Will Hoppe told me some more details about the production of this map, which I will follow up with him.

Compiled by Will HOPPE and Bob McKEAN in Bad Mergentheim, Germany.

Photos by Nick KISCHITZ