During the fighting, US forces experienced relatively few casualties, with rough estimates being fewer than 1,000 American soldiers killed or wounded in action. Soviet forces were not so lucky, taking the brunt of the casualties from the Germans with almost 50,000 dead or wounded. However, German forces faired the worst, with between 200,000 and 250,000 casualties and over 860,000 soldiers surrendering to Allied forces.
Following the liberation of Czechoslovakia, Allied forces were greeted with joy, gratitude, parades and exuberant celebrations. People filled the streets cheering, waving flags and showering soldiers with flowers and food.
U.S. forces would remain in Czechoslovakia for eight more months following the war in an effort to help rebuild and stabilize the nation. During this time, they helped to reestablish a working government as well as government services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and maintain peace and order throughout the country until the government could do so on its own. In early December of 1945, U.S. forces began their withdraw from Czechoslovakia, officially returning the nation to its former sovereignty.
Today, the liberation of Czechoslovakia is still remembered and celebrated in the Czech Republic. Annual festivals and celebrations are held to honor and remember those who fought and gave their lives during the second world war for the freedom of the Czech people.
