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U.S. Soldiers with Fixed Bayonets Escort Diplomat into East Berlin

Oct. 22, 1961 - Nine armed United States soldiers moved into East Berlin twice today to enforce the right of an American diplomat to enter the Communist-held sector. The diplomat had been stopped by East German border guards. It was the first time armed U.S. troops had crossed into the Communist sector of Berlin during the current crisis. The soldiers, a military police patrol, advanced from West Berlin to provide an escort for E. Allan Lightner Jr., assistant chief of the U.S. mission in Berlin. Later, Mr. Lightner drove into East Berlin unhindered. The military police group consisted of a lieutenant and eight enlisted men carrying rifles with fixed bayonets.



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