Opening scene shows local citizens as they stand in the main square (Hauptplatz) of Linz, Austria, watching surrendered German troops depart at the end of world War 2. The troops climb over barriers at the base of the Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule) and march in loose formation out of the city. A group of American troops watch from atop an M10 tank destroyer. View through a building archway as the German soldiers march past. The long column continues along a road looking down on the Danube River. Another view shows two U.S. soldiers with slinged rifles strolling at the head of the column. The departing German soldiers are all disarmed and carry their personal kit and gear. A group of German officers pass the camera, and one takes particular notice of the filming. A Sherman tank passes going in the opposite direction. A civilian man, carrying a brief case walks past the departing troops. (Note: Today, the Trinity Column looks different than in this film. In 1943 all removable statues and parts were taken from the column and safely stored in central cellars on Kapuzinerstrasse. They were recovered in 1945 and restored to the column, along with other changes, that were completed in December, 1947.)
Soviet Army M-4 tank (via Lend-Lease) pulls Soviet tank in Liezen, Austria. Soviet tank in mud hole. Soviet soldiers around the tank. M-4 tank pulls the tank from mud hole. Soldiers standing in the foreground. (World War II period).
United States Army 80th Infantry Division meets Russian troops in Liezen, Austria, at end of World War II in Europe.. Russian troops walk down the Enns River bridge. They cross the bridge. Troops march over bridge. Formal ceremony participated in by formations of Russian 9th Tank Brigade, Russian 21st Infantry Division and U.S. 80th Infantry Division soldiers. Major General Horace L. McBride, Lt General Walton H Walker, Russian Major General Voskresenskii, and Russian Lt Colonel Tisachnee attend services . General McBride presents medals to Russian general.
United States Army 80th Infantry Division meets Russian troops in Liezen, Austria. Russian soldiers over bridge. Russian soldiers raise Russian flag next to the U.S. flag on bridge. Soldiers standing in attention. U.S. and Russian officers inspects formations of U.S. and Russian troops. Russian and U.S. Generals raise a toast to one another. (World War II period).
Tyroleans gather for a parade in Innsbruck, Austria. People gather in large numbers in traditional Austrian Tracht costumes on the street. Women in Dirndls wave to the camera. Men in Lederhosen hold flags as they stand outside a building. They gather for a demonstration of confidence in their nation's future. Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg appears as the guest of honor and leads the parade. People march with flags. Buildings along the sides of the street.
Skiers compete for a trophy offered by explorer Auguste Piccard in gratitude for his rescue near Obergugl, Austria after his stratosphere balloon had fallen last year. Skiers ski on the Otztal Alps. Jennewein Schoepf wins the Piccard Ski Cup.