Lt. Col. Gilbert R. Pirrung, 206th Engineer Combat Battalion Commander through most of Europe. This photograph taken while he was a Major at about the time he assumed command of the 206th in September 1943.

Lt. Col. Pirrung (left) and others examine a demolished building in a German town.

Lt. Col. Gilbert Pirrung in England prior to Normandy Invasion.

Lt. Col. Gilbert Pirrung receiving the Silver Star from an unknown General.  He was awarded the Silver Star for bravery in leading the 206th operations in the crossing operations over the Saar River in December 1944.

206th Engineer Combat Battalion troops in formation.

206th Engineer Combat Battalion troops in what appears to be an awards ceremony for some of the men.

American troops inside one of several liberated German concentration camps.

206th Engineer Combat Battalion troops in formation.

Photograph taken of the victims within a German concentration camp.

Lt. Col. Pirrung at a desk somewhere in Europe.  This photograph could have been made in the Franz von Papen mansion in Wallerfangen, Germany.

More victims within a German concentration camp..

Photograph taken of the rear of the Franz von Papen mansion in Wallerfangen, Germany.  The 206th used this mansion as a headquarters during the Saar River crossing operations in December 1944

Photograph taken of the front of the Franz von Papen mansion in Wallerfangen, Germany.  The 206th planted charges and destroyed this mansion when they left Wallerfangen.

Lt. Col. Pirrung in his jeep.

St. Louis newspaper article of Lt. Col. Pirrung receiving the Silver Star.