Joining Forces at the River Elbe
On April 25, 1945, Soviet and American troops met at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany. First Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue of the US Army forces crossed the river with three other men and met Soviet soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Gardiev.
The next day, the two commanders met at Torgau where the formal 'Handshake of Torgau' was made. Later that evening, statements were made confirming that the three Allied powers would complete the destruction of the Third Reich.
The next day, the two commanders met at Torgau where the formal 'Handshake of Torgau' was made. Later that evening, statements were made confirming that the three Allied powers would complete the destruction of the Third Reich.
Sources
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/27/newsid_3563000/3563723.stm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-jxR53AMUA&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-jxR53AMUA&NR=1