Master Sergeant Joseph Walsh was part of Eisenhower’s ETO command detail, and accompanied him on his visit to Berchtesgaden on September 2 1945. While there, he acquired this 14” AH-monogrammed tray, plus AH stationery and period postcard.
By this point, the best souvenirs were long gone from the Berghof and other buildings, so this particular piece was most likely bought or traded from another GI on occupation duty in the area. Joseph Walsh died in the early 1950s, and this tray and other pieces were passed to his wife who preserved the story and details of her husband’s role within Eisenhower’s team.
KEHLSTEIN BIRD PRESERVE – BIRD HOUSES
February 6, 2022
