Plzeň, kostel sv. Jana Nepomuckého
U redemptoristů · Klatovská třída 45, 301 00 Plzeň 3, Česká republika
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American soldiers attending mass

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Josef Vlach spent the end of the war in his hometown of Pilsen, where he met many American soldiers. He truly appreciated the approach of their commissioned officers, who proudly served as examples to common soldiers. They were always front and center in the battles, making them most vulnerable to enemy attacks. Such an exemplary approach was reflected in the design of their helmets. The ranks of US commissioned and non-commissioned officers were marked by stripes on the rear side of the helmet. Therefore, the rank insignia was visible only if the officer moved ahead of his troops. Witnesses often recall American soldiers for their generosity and love affairs with Czech women. Though Mr. Vlach points out that an often ignored aspect of their life was their devoutness. "It was fantastic to watch American soldiers attending mass in the Redemptorist Church on the first Sunday after May 5th, 1945. They still had their helmets and rifles. While kneeling, they were holding the rifles, the helmets placed close to them. They brought their own chaplains, who were recognisable only by a tiny cross.’

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Josef Vlach

Josef Vlach

Josef Vlach was born on 20 September 1919 in Pilsen. He studied at the Faculty of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague. During the mobilisation of September 1938, he engaged in the activities of the National Shooting Union. Armed with a rifle, he patrolled bridges located near Pilsen and guarded them against the Sudeten Germans. As a student he attended the funeral of Jan Opletal, which took place on 15 November 1939. Two days later, on 17 November, he was arrested by the Gestapo in Hlávka Dormitory and transported to Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where he was held prisoner till June 1940. After the war, he finished his university studies and pursued a career in science. Until 1983 he worked at the Energy Research Institute, later at the Research Institute of Fuel and Energy Complex. He also gave lectures at the Czech Technical University.

Plzeň, kostel sv. Jana Nepomuckého

Available in: English | Česky

Roku 1907 přišli do Plzně řeholníci redemptoristé a v letech 1908–1911 vybudovali na dnešním Chodském náměstí chrám v novorománském slohu. Roku 1936 k němu přibyla moderní konventní budova. Po rozpuštění řeholních řádů na začátku 50. let odešli z Plzně i redemptoristé. Klášter poté sloužil jako sídlo Veřejné bezpečnosti a je i v současnosti využíván Policií ČR. Protože Kongregace Nejsvětějšího Vykupitele se do města již nevrátila, kostel se roku 2007 stal farním chrámem farnosti Plzeň-Bory.

Plzeň, kostel sv. Jana Nepomuckého

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American soldiers attending mass

American soldiers attending mass

Josef Vlach
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