I can't even imagine how they were able to fight in this cold. It's something that I think about every time I read about Bastogne. Good read and thanks for the map. It was helpful.
No mention of the 551st Parachute Infantry being attached to the 82d, that they were the vanguard for the entire XVIII ABN Corps’ counterattack on 03 January 1945& their attack on Rochelinval on 07 January 1945, which decimated the Battalion….
I did not, and not because they don’t deserve renown. I didn’t want the reader to get lost in the forest on units; I wanted to keep the larger concepts front and center, at attention in the reader’s mind. This series will continue for at least two more weeks, and I would anticipate seeing them make an entrance in the future.
I think it’s important to articulate up front the attached units that the 82d had OPCON and TACON over during the Bulge & the associated problems that came with them, to include lines of communication and logistics
In December 2004, I had the honor (& that’s saying too little) to escort several veterans of the fight described here around this segment of the battlefield. They were amazing people and spoke movingly about how cold they were. One guy didn’t have warm enough clothing but we got him some from someone. It was an amazing way to commemorate this event.
This piece beautifully evokes the terrain, I ought to add. Nowadays there are a lot of holiday houses in the Ardennes, which I suppose is better use of the area than having a battle.
And thank you for your comments on the writing of the terrain. I haven’t been there (hoping to spend a week there in April) but I know some locals who were patient with my many questions about the foliage, hills, and streams!
I can't even imagine how they were able to fight in this cold. It's something that I think about every time I read about Bastogne. Good read and thanks for the map. It was helpful.
Gripping read, masterful in understanding the 82nd on the attack
No mention of the 551st Parachute Infantry being attached to the 82d, that they were the vanguard for the entire XVIII ABN Corps’ counterattack on 03 January 1945& their attack on Rochelinval on 07 January 1945, which decimated the Battalion….
I did not, and not because they don’t deserve renown. I didn’t want the reader to get lost in the forest on units; I wanted to keep the larger concepts front and center, at attention in the reader’s mind. This series will continue for at least two more weeks, and I would anticipate seeing them make an entrance in the future.
I appreciate your readership!!
I think it’s important to articulate up front the attached units that the 82d had OPCON and TACON over during the Bulge & the associated problems that came with them, to include lines of communication and logistics
Looking forward to your posts
GOYA!🌴 AATW!
In December 2004, I had the honor (& that’s saying too little) to escort several veterans of the fight described here around this segment of the battlefield. They were amazing people and spoke movingly about how cold they were. One guy didn’t have warm enough clothing but we got him some from someone. It was an amazing way to commemorate this event.
This piece beautifully evokes the terrain, I ought to add. Nowadays there are a lot of holiday houses in the Ardennes, which I suppose is better use of the area than having a battle.
Sounds like memories to treasure.
And thank you for your comments on the writing of the terrain. I haven’t been there (hoping to spend a week there in April) but I know some locals who were patient with my many questions about the foliage, hills, and streams!