[snippy_about_it]

We first ran this thread January 1st 2003 and I wanted to make sure our FReeper friend ex-snook's post followed the thread, so here it is 3 years later:

As one who was there, maybe I can shed some light on the 'forgotten battle'.

From our unit history in the areas mentioned by Sam. "At approximately 0745 hours on 5 January an enemy force of unknown sizes attacked both Gamsheim and Kilstett. The Regimental Commander established a forward Command Post, which constituted a part of TF "B" at La Wantzenau, while the CP at Weyersheim, which constituted a part of TF "A", was also under his direct command for further operations. The immediate problem was to assemble the troops, which were on the move from the recently-occupied 33 mile front and thus in no position to be comitted to battle, to withstand any attacks by an enemy break-through across the Rhine, and to prevent the establishment of an enemy bridgehead. "

Well I was a private in TF "A" forward command post operating a field phone and trying to position troop locations on a map. We were kind of hung out without much info as to what was going on. The Regimental Exec Officer headed TF "A" and got captured.

Now maybe some light on the 'unmentioned battle'. At the time I wondered where the French troops were coming from. After the war I read that Eisenhower and DeGaulle (sp?) had a big fight because Eisenhower wanted to withdraw and not defend Strassbourg but DeGaulle objected. In effect, saying that if the Americans withdrew, he would sacrifice the French Army to defend and if slaughtered, Eisenhower would be to blame. I think Churchill solved it by siding with DeGaulle. This whole scene might have been embarassing to Eisenhower.

Thank you for your service ex-snook and Happy New Year! Love, Sam and Snippy.

[snippy_about_it]

Special ping.

[Coastie]

Sam and Snippy,

I remember my dad mentioning "seeing a little action there" as the battalion surgeon of the 14th Armored Division.

Capt. John L. Battenfeld, receiving the Legion of Merit from Gen. Patton.

[gatorbait]

This whole scene might have been embarassing to Eisenhower.

If i read it correctly, Jake Devers, who was NOT an Ike favorite, wanted to defend Strasbourg, Ike ordered him to abandon it and of course threatened relief and all of that. Now I understand that Devers, being a bright guy and a bit closer to the political as well as military situation in Alsace, left Ike's order on his desk and went for coffee as the French Liasion officer to 6th Army Group was in the office. Devers gave his French guest plenty of time to read, and maybe even copy , the order. Once Ike was faced with the reality the the French were quite ready to sacrifice it all for the city and make damned certain the world would "know" it was Ike's fault, he began his grinning and acted like saving the place was his idea all along. Nordwind had potential be be even more devastating than the Bulge in the long term . The Political implications as well as the obvious supply( like up from the Riviera) as well as the potential breakthrough that could have easily undone the gains made by pushing back in the Bulge. Another note, the 12th Armored was sent in to face the 10SS Panzer without information on who and what they were facing. 43d Tank Battallion died like men , the Germans thought they'd insult them by calling them the "Suicide Division" Big mistake, the Hellcats wore it proudly and you all know what they call payback.

[stand watie]

HI, snippy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

free dixie,sw