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Saturday, February 28, 2026

Germany: US Veteran Honored in Erlangen

Sgt Alfred Pankey Jr. (L) 2009
-US Army


On this day, it is hard for a humble blogger like me to write about anything, given what is going on in Iran. It is inconceivable that anyone might turn to this site to learn what is happening. I have been scouring the European press to get a sense of how Europe is reacting to the events, but that is for my personal edification.

I happened to come across this article in the Erlanger Nachrichten (Germany), which is related to our military, and I thought it was worth posting here, partly because I have a deep attachment to Erlangen. In the late 1960s, I spent my military service there, and later in life, wrote an English-language book on the city's history. I also think it is fitting on a day like today to pay tribute to our military.

Retired Staff Sgt. Alfred Pankey Jr. was a decorated Vietnam combat veteran who received a Bronze Star for valor, albeit belatedly. He retired in Erlangen in 1982.

-Erlanger Nachrichten


Pankey passed away recently and was buried in Erlangen, an event covered by the local press. Although most of the article has a subscriber block, I am honored to translate what little I can access. A full English-language article in www. army.mil is also posted here.

Rest in Peace, Sgt Pankey.


US Veteran dies

He was a well-known Erlanger. Alfred Pankey Jr. waited over 40 years for his medal for bravery

Erlangen/Landkreis (District) Erlangen-Hoechstadt/Ansbach - Many Erlangers knew the recently deceased US American Alfred Pankey Jr. What many did not know: The Vietnam veteran was the holder of a high honor. However, he had to wait a long time for this. We learned how the delay came about..............................(Subscriber block)

-Sharon Chaffin    February 28, 2026 at 20:00


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