BULGE BEGINS - Dec. 16, 1944

[connie]

This is a date that will not be forgotten by anyone who was there...

For a link to earlier discussion of this topic on the "Remembering Thinking Out Loud" section of this site, click here:
106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=remembering&action=display&thread=54

[floydragsdale]

The 16th of December 1944 has been in my memories from that day on.

I was getting some rest from my stand out in our battle stations (foxholes). A fellow soldier opened the bunker door and said, "The Germans are coming." All of us rushed to our battle stations.

It was still dark, yet we could seen as if it were a moon lit sky. It was; artificial moonlight. created by German search lights that were bounced off the low hanging clouds.

German artillery shells were pounding our entire area. They were 88's, rockets (screaming meamies) & 16" Guns and I don't know what else. That artillery barrage lasted for approximately two hours. It seemed like the earth's foundations were being shook.

When the barrage ended, the German Infantry & Armor followed & they kept the pressure on us all day.

Two of our men took seven German Prisoners that day; one of them (a German) said to us, "You will not stay on this hill (Schnee Eifel); You will be overwhelmed with German power." - - - He knew what he was talking about.

Nevertheless, we held for two or three more days. The German time-table was for that mountain (Schnee Eifel) to be taken the first day, the 16th.

It was a day that would be remembered, like it or not.

Hello Connie:

I hope you catch up with yourself and find time to get your breath today.

I looked briefly at "Yesterday/Tomorrow, Dec. 16 1944.

You will read about the B.O.B. 1st day and almost think you are there. I haven't read it through, however you might see your Dad's outfit mentioned & what was going on with them at the time.

This article had me visualizing that 1st day all over again. I vividly recall hearing the voices of German Officers shouting orders to their men as they advanced toward our positions.

We waited until they were about 30 to 40 yards from us - - - - then all hell broke loose for them. They were greeted with all the (deadly) fire power that we had!

There wasn't time to be scared; we were too busy doing our job!

Gee, I was all of (barley) 19 years of age then. Nevertheless, all of us aged alot in just a few days!

For those who would like to know more about the 1st day of the B.O.B. (12/16/1944), open the following link and read.


homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington/1944/12/16.htm

Floyd
2nd Btn, 424th.

[connie]

Thanks, Floyd!

I appreciate your sharing this link and posting it. With pieces obviously taken from after action reports, it does give a good look at the day. I hadn't read about the shelling of Antwerp on that day before, but as this was the objective it makes sense. But, most compelling were the up to the minute accounts of what was happening in the foxholes and on the front for men in the 106th.

[Carl W.]

Thank you for posting Floyd!

About the Antwerp shelling:
That day tragedy struck in form of a V-2 rocket falling on Antwerp's largest cinema complex, killing many innocent civilians. This was part of Hitler's V-weapon program (V for Vengeance). My own grandmother was almost killed when a V-1 "Buzz Bomb" struck her house and buried her alive under a collapsing wall. The Rex Cinema disaster was the deadliest tragedy Belgium suffered by the V-Bombs. However, no memorial stands today to remember the people who lost their lives because of it. Antwerp was called back then 'the city of sudden death' and sadly it was true...

The Liege area also suffered from the buzz-bomb attacks and some men of the 106th had close encounters with them as well. Aren't I right Connie, I'm sure you can tell us more about the "Dolembreux incident" and your dad's involvment.

Carl

[connie]

Carl,

Thank you for the additional information on Antwerp and on the bombings. It seems that you have family understanding of the civilian experience...

You are correct that I, too, know a little of my father's experience with these German bombings. I have more than one account of these things passing overhead all night with one falling short of its target and hitting nearby. The "Dolembreaux" incident occurred on December 27th. Since there was an injury involved, Dad's accounts are scanty and delayed. He did not want to fuel family concerns. But, I have more on the episode from others.

Since this thread deals with the 16th, I'll give it back for pursuing the events of that day and pick up the bombings elsewhere. When I've done that I'll attach a link here.
106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=remembering&thread=206&page=1

Connie

[dianekrollewis]

My oldest son has always been interested in my father's history with the 106th. The rest
of my children have taken it more or less for granted. This past Easter, while visiting
my daughter in New Orleans, all of my children and grandchildren toured the
World War II museum located there. Now they have all been awed, and are desperately
hungry for any information they can find. I have forwarded the Indiana Military web address
to them. Thank you for this site, and thanks to the World War II museum for igniting
their interest into their past.

[connie]

Diane,

I am, with you, thankful for the things that help keep the interest alive...

If I am remembering correctly, although the army gave you a different official date (probably the date your father's remains were found), your Dad was killed on the 16th, the day the German offensive began. He was with the 422 HQ of one company (I & R) I know that the 422 Infantry Regiment, the first numerically of the 106th Division's 3 Infantry Regiments was on the north flank of the division. Do you have any information from the government on where he was found?

This was a terribly sad day for many families -- or a day that would bring sadness when the families were finally notified. When we think of the "ultimate sacrifices" made this day and in the days ahead, sometimes we don't pause to think about the loss to the families that went on forever. It is good to know that the men in your Dad's unit did not forget... and that they took the time to visit you and your mom. And, it is so good that your mom kept so much for you and helped to keep your dad alive for you.

Thank you for helping us remember and understand.

Hopefully this site will be here waiting when others are ready to ask questions...

PS. to other readers: See Diane's post on the 16th under Remembering...
106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=remembering&action=display&thread=54

[dianekrollewis]

I have no specific information. I know he was at HQ, learned of the counter-offensive and
rushed back to be with his men when he was captured. Apparently, some men got
away, went back to his unit, and a rescue party was sent out. All I know is that it
was in or near St Vith. I may still find the letter we received from his Captain. If and
when I do, I will scan it and forward it to this site.

[floydragsdale]

The Battle of the Bulge, for us, began at 5:50 A.M., on the 16th day of December 1944, 65 years ago.

As I came forward from the comfort of a bunker . artillery shells were exploding in treetops; sending jagged pieces of shrapnel, whining through the air.

Exploding shells from big guns and rockets made the earths’ foundations tremble , the sky was aglow with a strange light; silhouettes of G.i’s scampering to their battle stations were visible everywhere,

German troops emerged out of the morning fog toward our thinly held American line of resistance.

A deadly hail of rifle fire greeted them and a rain of 60 mm mortar shells descended upon them. German soldiers fell, mortally wounded; yet, on they came; wave after wave of them.

That morning, several men in one of our platoons persuaded a squad of German Soldiers to surrender. One of those men spoke fluent English. While the prisoners were being questioned, he said, “You will not stay on this hill (Schnee Eifel); you will be overwhelmed by the German Army."

Little did we realize how prophetic his words were!

Floyd
G Company, 2nd Battalion
424th Regiment

[Carl W.]

Today I thought about all those men like you, Floyd that spent many freezing nights in the snow and bitter winter cold of the December of 1944.

Alone in a foreign country with a rifle against a seemingly unstoppable enemy, under fire, moving from one place to the other, fighting for fields and in towns thousands of miles away from home. Against all odds and battling against the elements as well as an enemy army, they got the job done. Freedom isn't free, so testify the thousands of fallen GI's in the military cemeteries overseas, as well as the war memorials in their home towns. Every name engraved meant a broken family. Many made the ultimate sacrifice, some were lucky and made it through alive. All will be remembered.

Carl

PS:
Here is a 1945 documentary about the Ardennes Offensive, shown in theatres in the US encouraging the homefront to keep up the war effort, as counterattacks such as the "Bulge" were still possible.

[Larry Heider]

Thank you Floyd, for telling us what it was like to be there on Dec. 16,1944 and thank you Carl for the video showing us what it looked like that day 65 years ago. An interesting question asked at the end of the documentary: "What were you doing the week the Germans came back to Belgium?" Some can't remember, some can't forget. I think this MB is a fitting testament to the fact that what happened that day must not be forgotten.

[connie]

I tried replying yesterday on this iffy vacation connection that cut out just as I was about to post. So I'll be brief and hope it works this time.

Thank you for sharing the thoughts and memories and keeping them alive. I deeply appreciate this.

Connie

[floydragsdale]

Thanks, guys, for your kind comments & remarks. Thank you, Carl, for the news reel clip. I remember seeing those, in our home town theaters, before I went into the Army.

The first day of the "Bulge" was busy for us, and a hectic one too. Our riflemen, and mortar section almost ran out of Amminition by noon

I went (downhill) to our CP for more & while on my way back (uphill) I just about got my "everlasting". The Jerries commenced dropping 16 inch shells on us. One of them hit very close to me. That was a real incentive to quicken my steps going back uphill. Whew! What a close call. Those 16 inchers really packed a wallup when they hit the ground; and they made a persons ears ring also.

As I write this note, they are ringing like they started to ring 65 years ago.

Floyd

[Carl W.]

DECEMBER 19

Today 65 years ago, at 6 PM this radio message was received at Division HQ:
"We are destroying our equipment".

The fierce struggle of the encirceled units in the Schnee Eifel came to a halt. The Regimental commanders of the 422nd and 423rd Infantry Regiments decided that further resistance was futile and would only lead to a higher number of casualties. Along with their support units, the regiments surrendered and thousands of troops entered German captivity as POW's. Another ordeal lay installed for these men and many more would lose their lives in the months to come.

Carl

[connie]

Floyd,

In this season that holds so many memories of those early days of the Bulge, I am appreciating your regular check-ins with memories of those days. I look forward to checking in and finding more on future days.

Thanks!

Connie

[Larry Heider]

Please keep these memories coming Floyd. Your writing style compares to the best of the war correspondents.

[floydragsdale]

When the 106th went on line, or “up front”

Life up front was primitive, to say the least.
Line Company G.I.’s did not have the following at their disposal

Electricity
Running water
Bathroom facilities
Beds
Stoves; electric, or gas

Their roof was the sky above; their shelter was a hole in the ground. The sun, when it shined, might be their source of heat

The earths’ foundations shook as the crescendo of artillery missiles whistling overhead, exploding in the air, on the ground and the zinging sound of shrapnel and whining bullets filled the air around them was the music they must endure.

They slept, when conditions permitted, ate when they had food and had the time to consume it, while sitting on the bodies of dead enemy soldiers.

They knew what it was to go to sleep while walking and walk through minefields one foot at a time.

They obeyed orders that read: Hold your positions at all costs. In plain military language those words mean, “Stay where you are and fight till you die.”

G.I.s on the front line did all this for the meager pay of a soldier and asked for nothing in return.

The above thoughts come to mind as December 16 draws close.

Floyd
424th Regiment

[connie]

DEC. 16, 2010 Thoughts

As December 15 draws to a close for me, most of you are already entering the 16th of December. And in Belgium it is already several hours beyond the time when the opening bombardment announced the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge on December 16, 1944.

My thoughts go out to those of you who lived through that day and those to follow. And my thoughts are also with the families of those who did not make it through these terrible days.

[floydragsdale]

Reactions from men in the foxholes varied from one Soldier to the next.

In the early afternoon I delivered bandoliers of M-1 rifle ammo to G Company men at their battle stations.

One G.I. thanked me and remarked, "I like to see those so and so's squirm after I shoot em. A man in another hole said, "I hate those "_______ _______ Germans' I'll kill every damm one of them that gets close to this foxhole. Other G.I.'s did their job without comment, yet with grim faces.

The Germans would fire an "88" round at anyone who was out in the open. Some of our G.I.s found this out the hard way. If an American plane flew over (it was rare), a person had six to eight seconds to run from one place to another without having an "88" fired at him.

After dusk, we alternated the time between Bunkers and foxholes. I recall it was three hours time from one to the other.

Conversations were about the days' activities and wondering. "What those damm Germans up to? Being "new on the front lines" we did not fully understand the severity of our
situation.

One night (the 17th I think) I observed a German Panzer outfit advancing directly toward us, with blackout lights on, and were probably two-hundred yards from our positions when they abruptly made a turn to my left; then disappeard into the darkness of the night.

There was a gap of 2,000 yards between our Regiment (424th) and the 423rd that the Germans had penetrated in the afternoon. They were in the process of taking advantage of that situation. Of course, at the moment we were unaware of these facts.

We had orders to "hold your positions at all costs"; which we did, until we were told to withdraw from our positions abuut 12/19.

Floyd,
424th Regiment

[connie]

It is now 67 years ago that the men of the 106th Infantry Division awoke to the onset of the German Offensive that was to become known in Europe as The Ardennes Offensive & in America as The Battle of the Bulge.

My thoughts are with those who remember the day, those who gave their lives, and those who are doing the research that keeps alive the memory of this day and the days to follow. I also think of the people of Belgium who experienced this terrible time.

If you don't have time to read through all the past posts today, Floyd's recent post on the days leading up to December 16 is a very interesting introduction-- with a bit of humor added: 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=dates&action=post&thread=655&page=1

Today I find myself needing to add thoughts for the people of Belgium today as they reel from the recent attack on shoppers in Liége by a man with guns and grenades. The Belgian people suffered so much in the war. It seems so wrong that innocent people anywhere should suffer this type of madness in a time of peace. But it seems somehow especially cruel for this to happen there.

[Carl W.]

I thought about it today. And snow is falling here now, just like 67 years ago. What terrible conditions for soldiers to live in and to fight in.

Carl

[floydragsdale]

What does an eighty six year old veteran of the Battle of the Bulge of 67 years ago think about the 16 of December 1944? Perhaps one may believe the gray matter in the head of that Veteran should be rather rusty, so many years later.

Maybe so, yet not this veteran who served with the 2nd Battalion of the 424th Regiment.

Earlier in the morning, previous to H hour on the 16th, this soldier had been doing trench duty out in the foxholes. During that time period, sounds of heavy tank, or truck vehicle motors were infiltrating the night air.

A 39 man German patrol had been sighted in the area. However, no action was taken, by the Americans, or Germans.

Other than that, all was quiet on the Western Front. Our Company (G) was all spruced up to face an inspection at 0600 hours on the 16th.

At 0550 hours in the morning,all hell broke loose. At that moment, this G.I. was at rest in a bunker.

Suddenly, German artillery shells were exploding, all around us .

As I left the bunker, dashing to my combat post an abnormal light illuminated the entire area, even though daylight was more than several hours away.

It seemed as though the pillars of the earth were being shaken. Exploding artillery shells sent trees crashing to the ground in Ardennes forest.

G Company soldiers, their guts churning, were gripping their rifles with ice cold fingers, waiting for the German Infantry to appear out of the morning fog and mist, when the barrage was lifted.

Before the day was over, in some areas, whatever direction a soldier faced, was the front lines.

Unknown to 106th Division Soldiers at the time, there were ten German troops to every one of ours.

The news media named the campaign “The Battle of the Bulge.” G.I. Joe on the front lines called it “Forty One Days & Nights of Freezing Hell.’

Upper echelon Staff Officers claimed we were in a Calculated Risk area.

That area sucked both sides into a trap and both sides paid a heavy price in the snare of that trap before the Battle was over.

Almost 20,000 American Soldiers gave their lives for our Country and 80,000 more spilled their blood on the hills and in the valleys of the Ardennes Forest. The end results were a much needed relief from war for the citizens of Belgium and a victory for the American Army.

The Battle of the Bulge, sealed the fate of Hitler's German Army that had devastated Europe for five and a half years. - - - Early In the month of May 1945. the lights came on again all across Europe once more.

Sixty seven years later the battle smoke has long since fled. Now, there are only memories and the dead.

As long as this earth is my home, the Bulge days will remain in my memories.

Floyd
424th Regiment

Attachments:

[jeffgarn]

Floyd,
My Dad , S Sgt. Charles S. Garn , was in the 424/H. Were they ever near your guys in G ?
Regards,
Jeff Garn

[floydragsdale]

Hello Jeff:

I my memory serves me correctly, H Co. was adjacent to G Co. the 16th of Dec. 1944.

They were, however, a Heavy Weapons Company (81mm Mortors & 50 Caliber Machine Guns. Therefore, their various platoons and Squads could be positioned where ever they were needed in the immediate area.

Floyd

[connie]

On this the 74th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge it is time bring this thread to the top again.

There is little to say that has not been said before. I have been wrestling for several months with writing the story of this day, weaving together accounts from numerous sources, but there is something missing.

It was a time of war already. And yet the horrors escalated with this offensive. And the men in the division at the center of this "surprise" offensive were the youngest out there, from a new division that had been formed after the lowering of the draft age.

As an offspring of the 106th, born after the war but now officially old, I want to reach out to the young men who were forced to endure this conflict and to the loved ones of those taken by it. But there are no adequate words. I remember another time of loss and grief when a man met my father on the street and tried to find words to console him. As he groped for words, tears came to his eyes. Several times he tried to say something and nothing coherent came out. Finally, he shook his head, muttered, "darn it!" (well that wasn't what he muttered... the word censoring program on this discussion board would not allow the real first word in this phrase which is something built by swimming mammals with wide tails) and moved on... Perhaps that was the most profound words of solidarity and sympathy I have ever had the chance to experience second hand or in person...

If you experienced the impact of these days, my thoughts are with you today...

[connie]

On this 75th Anniversary of the Bulge I once again want to pull up this thread.

May those involved and those who care know that they are in the thoughts of others today.