V-E Day (Victory Europe Day)
After a much-needed break, the 71st Infantry Regiment enters Germany and is ordered to capture Germany's "National Redoubt" in the Austrian Alps. It was here that the Nazis hoped to make a final stand.
On May 2, 1st Battalion climbs the 8,000-foot-high Mt. Wanneck and engages in a surprise attack. After clearing the Fern Pass and reaching the Italian border, it links up with the U.S. 10th Mountain Division on the May 6. Two days later, all German forces unconditionally surrender.