List of individuals who perished during the conflict:
In the chaotic aftermath of World War II in Europe, the Cactus Division, a part of the Allied forces, moved into the Austrian town of Schwaz. K Company of the 409th Regiment took control of the town and made a significant transformation to a Messerschmitt forced labor camp, converting it into a camp for the collection and internment of Wehrmacht prisoners of war and Nazi functionaries.
Upon taking control, K Company dismantled the existing forced labor camps of the Messerschmitt works, but one of these camps was repurposed for the new mission. The soldiers, who were also quartered in the homes of local residents, used the camp's existing infrastructure to efficiently process and hold prisoners, ensuring order during the transition and occupation period.
The soldiers of the Cactus Division were not only involved in military and police duties. They established the monopoly on violence of the military government, restricted the freedom of movement of locals, searched for Nazi functionaries, guarded strategic locations, and maintained order.
Entertainment was a significant focus for the Cactus Division soldiers during their downtime. K Company at Schwaz and Headquarters Company at Vomp were among the first to open taprooms, with the "Kommando Klub" in Schwaz and "Dad's Alpine Club" in Vomp becoming popular gathering spots. These taprooms provided a place for relaxation and entertainment, offering a much-needed respite for the soldiers.
The service hours of the GIs were limited to four to five hours, with the rest of the time devoted to relaxation and entertainment. The "Kommando Klub" in Schwaz and the "Dad's Alpine Club" in Vomp were opened for similar purposes.
The soldiers of the Cactus Division were also tasked with searching for Nazi functionaries and guarding strategic locations in Schwaz. Despite the challenges they faced, they managed to maintain order and contribute to the post-war recovery efforts in the town.
A photograph from this period shows US soldiers and officers drinking beer in front of the "Kommando Klub" in Schwaz, a testament to the importance of camaraderie and relaxation during the tense post-war period. The Cactus Division's actions in Schwaz serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by Allied forces during the occupation period following World War II.
In the midst of their leisure time, the soldiers of K Company at Schwaz and Headquarters Company at Vomp established recreational hubs, with the "Kommando Klub" and "Dad's Alpine Club" becoming popular spots. Despite their dedication to maintaining order and assisting in post-war recovery efforts, they also found solace in the history of these towns, often engaging in sports like drinking beer, a common pastime, at the local taprooms.
