VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 
JOIN NOW

History of CINCUSAREUR Heidelberg

The Commander in Chief, United States Army Europe (CINCUSAREUR), headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, was the principal commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Established after World War II, the headquarters in Heidelberg became the nerve center for directing American ground operations and coordinating NATO defense strategies in Europe. Throughout the Cold War, CINCUSAREUR played a pivotal role in deterring Soviet aggression and maintaining stability on the continent. After German reunification and the end of the Cold War, the unit continued to oversee U.S. Army activities in Europe until the headquarters relocated to Wiesbaden in 2013, marking the end of an era in Heidelberg.

Members

Load More

Gallery

More Unit Photos

ABOUT CINCUSAREUR Heidelberg

  • Origins in WWII: The position of Commander-in-Chief, United States Army Europe (CINCUSAREUR) was established in 1945 to oversee American ground forces in the European Theater after Nazi Germany’s surrender.
  • Heidelberg Headquarters: The headquarters was located in Heidelberg, Germany, at Campbell Barracks, making the city a key hub for postwar US military operations in Europe for over 60 years.
  • Berlin Airlift Support: CINCUSAREUR played a crucial role in supporting the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), ensuring logistical and operational backing for the massive operation to supply West Berlin.
  • Cold War Frontline: Throughout the Cold War, CINCUSAREUR was responsible for defending Western Europe against the Warsaw Pact, managing tens of thousands of soldiers stationed along the Iron Curtain.
  • Reunification and Downsizing: After German reunification in 1990, the size of USAREUR forces under CINCUSAREUR was significantly reduced, reflecting the end of the Cold War and diminished threat from the East.
  • Operation Joint Endeavor: In the 1990s, CINCUSAREUR coordinated US Army operations for peacekeeping in the Balkans during the Bosnian conflict, including Operation Joint Endeavor in 1995.
  • Post-9/11 Role: USAREUR under CINCUSAREUR supported the Global War on Terror, deploying units to Afghanistan and Iraq, and serving as a key logistics and training base for operations in the Middle East.
  • Commanders of Note: Several high-profile generals served as CINCUSAREUR, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower (briefly in 1945) and General Lucius D. Clay, famous for their leadership during pivotal periods.
  • Symbol of American Presence: The CINCUSAREUR headquarters in Heidelberg became a symbol of the enduring US commitment to European security, frequently visited by US Presidents and NATO leaders.
  • Relocation and Legacy: In 2013, the USAREUR headquarters moved from Heidelberg to Wiesbaden. The Heidelberg installations were returned to Germany, but the city’s military legacy remains visible in its architecture and community.

Army Best Sellers

Go To Store