Liberated: America Fights for Democracy in World War II

Bring Me Back a Souvenir!

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Since the earliest days of warfare, soldiers have enjoyed the "spoils of war," items captured from their vanquished enemies. This practice can also be seen in World War II, when American soldier were permitted to bring home enemy weapons, personal items, and even champagne! Many cherished these souvenirs as reminders of their and their fellow soldiers' service and sacrifice in this monumental conflict.


Wehrmacht-marked champagne bottle

1945

Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division liberated this champagne bottle from an German supply train in 1945. Troops got two bottles of champagne of wine each from this cache to celebrate the end of the war. The sales stamps on the label translate to “German Armed Forces merchant goods, free market sales forbidden.”