Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Berlin Crisis 1961
The four fighter squadrons of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing were intimately involved in the Cold War from the time the Wing became combat ready until it was deployed to the Pacific Theater during the Vietnam War. From 1958 through 1965, the Wing maintained a presence in Europe with one rotational squadron continuously in place in Italy.
At the close of World War II, Germany was divided into east and west sectors, as was the capital Berlin. The Berlin Crisis was a political/military confrontation caused by tens of thousands of East Germans fleeing to the West through Berlin. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics decreed that a peace treaty between the two Germanys be negotiated by December 1961, and in August began building a wall dividing Berlin. East-West tensions rose, and President John F. Kennedy brought the United States military to a wartime stance. In November, thousands of military personnel were deployed throughout Europe to augment existing forces. The 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron deployed to Hahn Air Base, Germany. The crisis ended when East Germany backed down, which occasioned President Kennedy's "Ich bin ein Berliner" statement to the people of Berlin. Speaking from the balcony of Rathaus Schöneberg, Kennedy said, "Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was civis romanus sum (I am a Roman citizen). Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner’ All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner!'
Five of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing F-100s in formation over the Atlantic Ocean
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list.
Location. 33° 40.049′ N, 78° 56.405′ W. Marker is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County. Memorial is at the intersection of Hackler Street and Howard Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Hackler Street. Located in Market Common Valor Memorial Garden. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Myrtle Beach SC 29577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cold War - Dominican Republic (a few steps from this marker); The Cuban Missile Crisis (a few steps from this marker); Mr. Fred Nash (a few steps from this marker); The Cold War Era 1956 - 1958 (a few steps from this marker); Desert Storm (a few steps from this marker); Lt Col Colin Arnold Clarke (a few steps from this marker); Valor in Combat (within shouting distance of this marker); Prisoners of War and Missing in Action (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Myrtle Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.