Gene Bane ©Stars and StripesBerlin, September, 1961: Despite the threat of war that hung over Berlin in the weeks following the construction of the Wall, there was still time for an occasional ceremony. Here, Staff Sgt. Dallas A. Pinckney removes a smudge from the helmet of a member of the 2nd Battle Group Honor Guard, whose mission — in addition to protecting the city in their roles as Army riflemen — was to "carry the national colors, escort VIPs, demonstrate weapons and uniforms and put on close-order drill exhibitions unrivalled in precision."
RELATED MATERIAL: Stars and Stripes' September, 1961 story about the honor guard.