Logistics, the Bridge to Cultural Exchange: Bratwurst vs Burger

Abstract

In the early days after German capitulation, US military forces’ exposure to Germans resulted in more penicillin injected than bratwursts ingested. Meat and other commodities common to the US soldiers were scarce among most Germans at this time. Venereal disease was not. US commodities, however, provided numerous post-war cultural exchange opportunities for both soldiers and Germans. Food, cigarettes, even a cover over one’s head enticed some Germans to barter their possessions, and for some women, even their bodies, for these commodities.¹ One could have argued at the time as to whether warriors or prostitutes “owned” the oldest profession. However, indisputably, both military and civilians have an underlying requirement for logistics support.