Dear General Yaple, Col. Fanning and CSM Willsey,
On behalf of Major General Miller (Ret.) please accept this trip report. I echo General Miller’s previous comments; It was an honor for us to represent the Rainbow Foundation. Thank you for the privilege.
“I can’t overstate the honor it was to represent the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation during the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to meet a number of the liberators, survivors (and many of their descendants) who experienced and endured the atrocities of the Holocaust. At the same time, it was a groundbreaking event that, for the first time, brought together all three of the 7th Army Divisions that took part in the liberation—the 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow), the 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbird), and the 20th Armored Division. Enduring relationships were forged that will benefit all three Division Foundations in the years to come. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention and thank our gracious hosts—the political and civic leaders of Dachau, the leadership team of the Dachau Concentration Camp, and the International Community of Dachau. At every turn, during every commemorative speech, the Rainbow Division’s motto “Never Forget” was mentioned.”
Harry Miller, Major General (Retired)
Rainbow—Never Forget
Reflections from Germany: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of Dachau’s Liberation
April 27 – May 4, 2025
By Major General (Ret.) Harry Miller and LTC (Ret.) Robert Giordano
As part of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau, members of the 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division and its Foundation took part in a profound week of remembrance, reflection, and reconnection across southern Germany. What began as a journey to honor the past quickly became a catalyst for future partnerships, strengthened bonds, and living tributes to the liberators and survivors of one of history’s darkest chapters.
April 27: Arrival and Grounding
Upon arrival in Munich, General Miller, Emily Miller, LTC (Ret.) Robert Giordano, and his son Gabe were greeted with the fresh air of spring and the promise of an unforgettable week.
April 28:
Our first full day included a peaceful excursion to Oberammergau and Neuschwanstein Castle—a quiet beginning to what would become a deeply emotional and significant experience.
April 29: A Full Day of Commemoration
The day began early with a WWII Munich history tour, followed by a powerful visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, both hosted by archeologist and tour guide Dia Simmons, the CEO of Dark History Tours.
That afternoon, we participated in the dedication of a memorial plaque honoring the 45th Infantry Division, where the Adjutant and Assistant Adjutant General from the Oklahoma National Guard received the bronze plaque placed commemorating the 45th on the wall of the camp entrance, just beside the 42nd ID’s plaque.
Following the presentation, Major General James presented a plaque from the 42nd Infantry Division to the KZ Dachau Camp Director, and Major General (Ret.) Miller presented a beautiful wooden plaque to Martina Vetter, KZ Dachau’s coordinator for this special event.
Finally, that evening, and for the first time in 80 years, general officers from the 42nd and Oklahoma National Guard broke bread together at the famous Hofbräuhaus, home of the 45th HQ after the Battle of Munich. The generals, along with family members and friends of the 42nd and 45th, came together and began the week just as they had over 80 years ago. This day marked a new beginning for our beloved Divisions.
April 30: Berchtesgaden
Led by Dia Simmons and Dr. Richard Baum (99+ years of age), who visited Berchtesgaden on a one-day pass in 1945, we toured Berchtesgaden, Germany. Berchtesgaden is an idyllic Bavarian town located in the German Alps and steeped in Nazi history.
We walked the same steps that William Palethorpe of the 222nd Infantry Regiment walked—this time accompanied by his daughters Debbie and Kathie (Palethorpe). The day was both beautiful and sobering—an ironic setting for the locations where plans were made for the invasion of Poland and the extermination of 22+ million human beings.
May 1: May Day and National German Holiday – Legacy and Leadership
One of the most personal and moving moments came during a special event hosted by Aron Krochmalnik, whose father was liberated by the 42nd in Munich.
Together with General James, CSM Reyes, General Miller, and Dr. Richard Baum—a 20th AD liberator—we retraced the steps of the 42nd through Munich, visiting key liberation sites that now serve as powerful landmarks of resilience.
That evening, the Foundations of the 42nd, 45th, and the Dachau Town Hall hosted a social gathering with liberator families from the 42nd, 45th, and 20th Armored Divisions. LTC Rob Mathews of the 45th delivered a compelling briefing, followed by a panel discussion and meaningful award presentations.
Dr. Richard Baum added deeply personal insights that resonated with all in attendance. Major General (Ret.) Miller, Vice Chairman of the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation, presented Foundation plaques to a Dachau City Council member, LTC (Ret.) Rob Mathews, Leonard Cizewski from the 45th Infantry Division Foundation, Fred Radewagen, his wife Congresswoman Amata Radewagen, Dr. Richard Baum (WWII Veteran) from the 20th Armored Division, Betty Chin, and Pat Newman—daughters of 42nd ID liberators.
May 2: A Day in Nuremberg
Our visit to Nuremberg offered space for quiet contemplation. A city both legally significant and visually stunning, it presented a remarkable contrast to the heavy themes of the week. Though lighter in scheduled events, the visit gave our delegation time to absorb the importance of what had already occurred and prepare for what lay ahead.
May 3: Unity and Unprecedented Gatherings
Today, the 42nd Infantry Division was honored by receiving the André Delpech Prize from the International Dachau Committee. The prize was presented by retired French General and former CID President, General Jean-Michel Thomas. Looking on with pride were the daughters and grandson of André Delpech. This award is given to only a few individuals to honor their merits and achievements in commemorating the Dachau concentration camp.
In addition, the 42nd Rainbow Foundation presented plaques and certificates to Dachau Mayor Florian Hartmann, CID President Dominique Boueilh, and members of the 80th Dachau Committee including LTC (Ret.) Rob Mathews, Fred Radewagen and his wife Congresswoman Amata Radewagen, Dr. Richard Baum (WWII Veteran), Betty Chin, and Pat Newman.
The day continued with a deeply emotional gathering at the SS firing range near Dachau—once used for executions and live-fire training on prisoners. This solemn site now stands as a testament to remembrance and truth.
That evening, history was made as the 42nd Rainbow Foundation, the 45th ID Foundation, and the International Dachau Committee (CID) hosted a first-of-its-kind dinner. Living survivors and liberators of Dachau, along with their families, came together in unity and reconciliation—sharing memories, honoring sacrifice, and forging new bonds across generations and borders.
May 4: Culminating Ceremony and Closing Reflections
The final day of ceremonies saw nearly 2,000 people gather under a tent at the Dachau Memorial. Cold and steady rain served as a somber backdrop, reflecting the sorrow and the gravity of what had occurred on this soil eight decades ago.
The highlight of the day was a powerful and heartfelt speech by 42nd Division’s own Bud Gahs from the 222 Regiment, the last surviving liberator of the camp in attendance. As he spoke, a symbolic break in the clouds occurred—a moment that offered warmth, hope, and reverence.
The 42nd Rainbow Foundation and the Division itself were recognized multiple times throughout the moving ceremony. Our Rainbow families—present in strong numbers—were a visible and touching reminder of the enduring legacy of the Division’s service and sacrifice.
Following the event, General Miller brought together representatives from the 42nd, 45th, and Dr. Richard Baum of the 20th Armored Division. This informal moment of connection, story-sharing, and mutual respect capped a week defined by historical gravity and a renewed commitment to remembrance and education.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
I would be remiss if I did not recognize LTC Rob Mathews of the 45th for his exceptional support prior to this week. His commitment to building relationships within the international survivor community will continue to benefit all of us—and the mission of the Rainbow Division Veterans Foundation—for years to come.
Rainbow—Never Forget.