Xmas Eve 1944

[floydragsdale]

A battle weary and exhausted G Co. of the 424th Regiment truged into a tiny Belgian Village hoping for warmth and rest. The village citizens opened their homes to the greatly fatigued troops. Our Company Commander said, "Merry Christmas men; have a good nites sleep!" That was a surprise, as most of us didn't realize it was the day before Xmas.

Everyone expected to be there for the balance of the night; however about two hours later we were ordered to "fall out" on the double.

It was back to the front lines for G Company and more combat. The balance of Xmas Eve and Xmas day were to be hectic for us, indeed!

Also, it was to be a Christmas many men would never forget. Some would be maimed for the rest of their lives, and for others Xmas 1944 would be their final one.

War is hell; so are some of the memories that remain indelible in a person's mind from those years.

Floyd

[Carl W.]

I can't think of any better reply to your post than this:
Thank you!

I may be repeating myself but it cannot be said enough. Thanks to you Floyd and many others like you we are now able to spend a peaceful Christmas celebration here.

Merry Christmas to everyone and best wishes for 2010!

Carl

[connie]

Here, too, my appreciation of our quiet Christmas is deepened as my understanding of what the fellows in the 106th went through that Christmas season in 1944.

Thank you, Floyd, for sharing your memories with us.

Connie

[roger]

I would like to add my thanks to you Floyd for continuing to share your personal experiences.....over the past several months you have made places and situations come to life! Each time you speak I have greater understanding and appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice that you and thousands of soldiers including my own father were willing to make.

A belated merry Christmas to you (and all the others on this board), and may God's blessing and good health be yours in 2010.

Roger

[floydragsdale]

Thank you, Carl, Connie and Roger .

The G.I. didn't get much pay for his services; yet most of us had a guiding principle. DUTY, HONOR and COUNTRY.

All fought for the best flag, the best government ever given to man.

For that reason, an overwhelming majority of us served our country with pride.


Floyd

[connie]

For an account from Floyd of the hours that followed go to:
106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=remembering&action=display&thread=452