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To: snippy_about_it
Thank you very much for your attention to Hitler's last offensive. Himmler was in charge. We had just arrived a month before from the States as an Infantry Task Force of the 42nd Rainbow Division without all the support that a full Division would supply.

The Nazis crossed the Rhine north of Strasbourg. Their arsenal included white colored tanks and troops. We were the last American unit on the line and next to the French. Of some interest, the French forces consisted of a lot of Algerians. We had no officlal translators but used two men from the Rhode Island area who had a French background. One of the Colonel's jeep driver, the other I think was in I&R.

We did, as the article indicated, 'withdraw' to more defensive positions awaiting support from other units. It was a 35 mile front exceedingly large for three Regiments but higher command thought this would be a quiet area for green troops. It was for a while. We had Midnight Mass in an abandoned school house with only the sight and sound of flashing artillery barrages overhead from both sides. Sort of a warped version of 'all is calm, all is bright'.

When the full Rainbow Division arrived we proceeded into Germany toward Sweinfurt [where I was when Roosevelt died], then Nurmburg, Dachau, Munich [where I was when Hitler died], finally occupation in Austria. One of our Regiments went to share Vienna with the Russians. Mine stayed around Salzbourg. The castle of Sound of Music fame was a beer hall for us.

Their Edelweiss, Edelweiss, Every morning you greet me, Small and White, Clean and bright ... Edelweiss Edelweiss Bless my home land forever ... was replaced by "In the Mood", our Bless America Forever.

Thanks again.

15 posted on 12/31/2006 9:22:44 AM PST by ex-snook ("But above all things, truth beareth away the victory.")
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To: ex-snook

Wasn't that Task Force Herran? All of the outfits that fought in Nordwind fought like tigers . I used to like in Alsace when i was a kid and I have to say, it was obvious that what was not blasted in WW1 took the rest 1n 1944-45.

Nice to know someone who stopped them. Thanks


21 posted on 12/31/2006 10:23:19 AM PST by gatorbait
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To: ex-snook

Anytime. We appreciate your first hand knowledge and insight.


22 posted on 12/31/2006 10:39:44 AM PST by snippy_about_it (Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul. WWPD (what would Patton do))
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