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If you think about the Cold War, you probably remember major events---the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Berlin Wall---that reverberated across the globe. But, for one small hamlet outside Berlin, the Cold War was much more personal. It touched almost every aspect of day-to-day life---going to work, meeting friends after school, socializing with neighbors.
When the Cold War split Berlin in half, between East and West, the neighborhood of Steinstuecken was trapped in the middle. For more than twenty years, it was caught in a tug-of-war between the Americans and the Communists. It became a symbol of the Cold War's tensions. Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom, tells this hamlet’s story against the backdrop of the Cold War in Western Europe.
Steinstuecken officially belonged to the U.S. Occupation Sector of Berlin. But, it was located outside the city boundaries, completely surrounded by East German territory. No West Berlin-owned roads or trails connected it to the city. Neither the U.S. military nor the West Berlin police could travel there in vehicles or on foot. It was a de facto Western island in a "Red" sea. Yet, for more than 20 years the U.S. kept Steinstuecken out of Communist hands.
America could have turned its back on Steinstuecken—but it didn’t. U.S. officials in Berlin rose to the hamlet’s defense. During the Berlin Wall crisis, the Americans flew a Military Police (MP) detachment into the village to ensure its safety. The MPs maintained that outpost in Steinstuecken for more than ten years, flying soldiers in and out by helicopter.
Steinstuecken was a test of America’s resolve to keep its promise to defend West Berlin. It was a frequent target of Communist pressure. The neighborhood’s name was often in the news; its fate drew the attention of world leaders—even the President of the United States. Time and time again, the residents of Steinstuecken stood up to Communist threats, often at personal risk. Meanwhile, they tried---and managed---to live as normal a life as possible. They also built a close friendship with the Americans who safeguarded them. This book tells how they did it.
Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom describes the challenges America faced in Cold War Berlin and the determination and resolve that many West Berliners showed when facing Communist soldiers on a daily basis..
When the Cold War split Berlin in half, between East and West, the neighborhood of Steinstuecken was trapped in the middle. For more than twenty years, it was caught in a tug-of-war between the Americans and the Communists. It became a symbol of the Cold War's tensions. Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom, tells this hamlet’s story against the backdrop of the Cold War in Western Europe.
Steinstuecken officially belonged to the U.S. Occupation Sector of Berlin. But, it was located outside the city boundaries, completely surrounded by East German territory. No West Berlin-owned roads or trails connected it to the city. Neither the U.S. military nor the West Berlin police could travel there in vehicles or on foot. It was a de facto Western island in a "Red" sea. Yet, for more than 20 years the U.S. kept Steinstuecken out of Communist hands.
America could have turned its back on Steinstuecken—but it didn’t. U.S. officials in Berlin rose to the hamlet’s defense. During the Berlin Wall crisis, the Americans flew a Military Police (MP) detachment into the village to ensure its safety. The MPs maintained that outpost in Steinstuecken for more than ten years, flying soldiers in and out by helicopter.
Steinstuecken was a test of America’s resolve to keep its promise to defend West Berlin. It was a frequent target of Communist pressure. The neighborhood’s name was often in the news; its fate drew the attention of world leaders—even the President of the United States. Time and time again, the residents of Steinstuecken stood up to Communist threats, often at personal risk. Meanwhile, they tried---and managed---to live as normal a life as possible. They also built a close friendship with the Americans who safeguarded them. This book tells how they did it.
Steinstuecken: A Little Pocket of Freedom describes the challenges America faced in Cold War Berlin and the determination and resolve that many West Berliners showed when facing Communist soldiers on a daily basis..
"A wonderful David and Goliath story about the brave citizens of this little hamlet and the courageous American MPs, aviators and diplomats who came to protect them. Any student of the Cold War, Berlin, or Germany needs to read this well researched and grippingly told book."—John B Emerson, US Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, 2013-17
“An engaging study of what a few brave people can do to preservetheir freedom against overwhelming odds.”—Victor Davis Hanson, The Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Author—The Second World Wars
“An intriguing read for everyone interested in German and ColdWar history. The detailed account of the faith of one small exclaveof West Berlin exemplifies the difficulties of the post-war worldorder very well.”—Marcel P. Rotter, Chair, Department of Modern Languagesand Literatures, University of Mary Washington
"Donald Smith's book shines a welcome light on a relatively unknown story of Cold War Berlin. A Cold War veteran himself, Don's diligent research has created a fascinating, accessible and gripping book that is the most comprehensive account in English of the enclave of Steinstueken. With many never before seen photos, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Berlin and Cold War history. "- Ian Sanders, Host & Producer of the Cold War Conversations podcast.
"Mr. Smith is an engaging presenter with a very well written book on a nearly forgotten piece of German-American history. It is an interesting story, about how Germans and Americans worked together to achieve a real "victory" in the Cold War. Whether or not you are captivated by the Cold War era, this wonderful book, with lots of amazing photos, is worth your time."
- Mary JohnsonPresidentSt. Charles-Ludwigsburg Chapter, Sister Cities International.
- Mary JohnsonPresidentSt. Charles-Ludwigsburg Chapter, Sister Cities International.
"Our monthly program at the library was well attended when Don came to talk about the little know history of the small town of Steinsteucken during the cold war. Very knowledgeable, armed with great visual aids, Don kept us entertained and we all came out saying, “Wow, I didn’t know that.” Highly recommended. And his book has been checked out continuously since we purchased it. Had to get multiple copies.
- Rochelle CollinsReference LibrarianBay County Library System Bay City, Michigan.
- Rochelle CollinsReference LibrarianBay County Library System Bay City, Michigan.
In connection with the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift/Blockade, Don gave a presentation to our membership. We were all very impressed by the information covered and Don's passion for the subject shines through. Many of us, including our German members, were impressed with the information shared that we had never learned about before. Don has a wealth of knowledge about the subject. We are looking forward to hosting another presentation with him. - Tine Hoffmeister, Executive Director, AlabamaGermany Partnership