[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from yesterday.

Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers

[Homer_J_Simpson]

On 19 December, the 126TH launched another attack at 1100, with its 1ST and 2D Battalions side by side, against strong enemy positions on another ridge to their front. The left flank of 1ST Battalion was immediately pinned down by heavy fire from six machine guns. The battalion pulled back while it called in a mortar concentration (over 200 rounds) and placed heavy machine gun fire on the Japanese positions. The battalion resumed their advance but still ran into determined resistance.

“Elements of the 1st [Japanese] Division had dug in on the top and both sides of a ridge and had utilized caves to construct a defensive position in which there were more than 100 foxholes with communicating trenches. Heavy fighting continued throughout the day. The 1ST Battalion used mortars, flame throwers, white phosphorus grenades, hand grenades, rifles, and supporting flanking fire from its heavy and light machine guns, but was able to advance only seventy-five yards. Although the battalion overran many emplacements, a determined Japanese force remained to be overcome when the battalion established its night perimeter on the eastern slope of the ridge.” (Cannon 341)

The 2D Battalion, 126TH Infantry, met scattered, light resistance and was able to advance 200 yards and secure its area of responsibility by 1200. Throughout the day 2D Battalion was able to provide supporting machine gun and rifle fire for 1ST Battalion's attack to its right. At about 1530 on 19 December, the 2D Battalion was relieved by 1ST Squadron of the 112TH Cavalry Regiment and moved to an assembly area to the rear. The 112TH Cavalry had been conducting operations in support of the 1ST Cavalry Division's advance further to the east and had also been protecting the 32D Division's left flank.

By nightfall on 19 December, Co. B, 126TH Infantry, which had encountered the most stubborn opposition in 1ST Battalion's area, had one platoon established on the east side of the ridge, another platoon on the west side, and the remainder of the company to the south. Throughout the night Co. B was able to keep constant pressure on the Japanese position, by firing on it from 3 sides. “At dawn, and without breakfast, the company rushed the position and by 1000 had complete control of the area. Two hundred Japanese dead were found. (Blakeley 197)”

32nd Division history in World War II

[Old Sarge]

"Hinkle your ass, Kraut!"

LMAO! I can see that happening!

[Robert A Cook PE]

I notice that “today” - 3 days after the Battle of the Bulge started - the news was still censored (in part because the US commends were just figuring out what was going on too),, but the “name” Battle of the Bulge wasn’t yet being used.

Notice the Polish question (Cold War) had already started? See page one of the paper!

[PapaNew]

"Here is a German soldier, in the light of early dawn, who went to take a crap, got turned around in the woods [like the guy in Jurassic Park II, but his fate wasn't as fortunate] walked through our lines, past company CP and ended up behind the Battalion CP! That sure was some line of defense we had that first night!"

That's kind of funny.