Unveiling of a new tribute plaque honors fallen American military personnel
In the tranquil Wiesbaden city forest, a memorial plaque now stands as a poignant reminder of the past and a testament to the dangers of escalating political ideology. The plaque commemorates the death of Edward F. Pimental, a 20-year-old US soldier, whose life was tragically cut short in 1985.
On August 8, 1985, Edward F. Pimental was found dead in the Wiesbaden city forest with a bullet wound to the head. The events leading to his death are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that he met Wiesbaden resident Birgit Hogefeld at the Western Saloon disco and was likely convinced to accompany her by a member of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a terrorist group active in late West Germany.
Edward F. Pimental's death was connected to one of the most brutal attacks by the RAF, a terrorist group in late West Germany. Hours later, a car bomb exploded at the Rhein-Main Air Base near Frankfurt, killing two people and injuring more than twenty. The RAF claimed responsibility for both incidents, providing the ID of the dead soldier as proof.
The memorial plaque in the Wiesbaden city forest was erected by the educational organization Mirror Image - Political Education from Wiesbaden e.V. The plaque, located in a quiet area chosen by the Parks Department, serves as a physical reminder of the unsolved crime and the climate of political violence in West Germany in the 1980s. It is a gesture by the city to honour a victim and set a sign against silence and for remembrance.
The Combat Infantrymen’s Association (Kampf Infantry Association) was also involved in the erection of the memorial plaque. The organization, along with historians, educators, and eyewitnesses, will discuss the lessons to be drawn from Edward F. Pimental's death and the unresolved history of the RAF after a film screening of the documentary 'Black Box BRD' about RAF terrorism. The screening will take place on August 8 at the Murnau Film Theater as part of the events commemorating Edward F. Pimental's death.
The memorial plaque in the Wiesbaden city forest is more than just a tribute to a fallen soldier. It is a symbol of resilience and a call to remember the past, learn from it, and strive for a future free of political violence.
