It was less than 79 years ago when the majority people from our Alabama soldiers, as well as their comrades in arms were fighting a bloody or death battle to thwart the German assault along an area of 74 miles that was lightly protected battle lines within the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. In the Battle of the Bulge the battle, as it came to be called, took place during one of the chilly winters observed in Europe. The battle that took place on December. 16 was commanded by around 100,000 German soldiers and nearly 1,000 tanks. Hitler along with his German military were trying to divide the armies of allies and to take over ports in Antwerp, Belgium. Their aim was to stop supplies to the allied forces and reinforce those in European area from Antwerp.
General George S. Patton’s Christmas Prayer 1944. The prayer was read to every member in his 3rd Army. [Photo: Pinterest]
The battle took Allies over seven weeks until they could end an German attack. It was the Battle of the Bulge became the most bloody battle for American troops in WW II. It accounted for one out of 10 American casualties throughout the conflict. It claimed over 19,000 troops with 47,500 more wounded and another 23,000 who were missing or captured. German losses were not as high, with only 10,749 killed, 344,439 wounded, and 22,487 missing or captured. The battle claimed the lives of over 3000 civilians.
The war reached its climax when the battle was fought in Bastogne during the period from December 20 to 27. Bastogne was strategically important for both sides. When the Germans were in control of the city in a defensive zone, the German commander delivered a hand-written note to for the American leader to surrender. This American Commander was Brig. General Anthony C McAuliffe, who became famous later for his simple response, “Nuts!”
In both cases, for US troops in Bastogne of Bastogne and those who defended it from outside the Christmas celebrations were held “in the manner they could”. A Army Chaplain led Christmas celebrations within Bastogne. For those who were on the outside of the battlefield the city, survival was first, then Christmas celebrations. A variety of stories have been shared by soldiers who have been through their experiences at Christmas. One of these stories has been recorded by BBC interviewer Keith Davis in 2016:
“We were walking around the suburbs of Bastogne when we came across this farmhouse. Inside were a man and an elderly woman, as well as a small boy and a girl. ….the wife offered us some soup and black bread. We stayed the whole night in the farmhouse. The war was still going in the outside, and it was just that the farmhouse was not struck. We were there on Christmas Eve. We performed Christmas songs along with this Belgian family. We performed Jingle Bells and Silent Night. The lyrics were different, but the music was exactly the same.”
General George S. Patton had been in France moving eastward towards the Saar River when he received orders from the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He quickly turned the 3rd Army 90 degrees and completed the 100 miles from Bastogne within three days. It was the 3rd Army was quickly able to take over Bastogne. The siege was helped by dense clouds. When the weather cleared the bombers of the allied were able to remove the siege.
Each soldier in the 3rd Army had been given an original copy of the Christmas Prayer of 1944 that was written by Major Patton.
“Almighty and compassionate Father, we humblely ask Thee, through Thy goodness and mercy to stop these unjust rains against which we’ve faced. We ask for fair weather in Battle. We beg you to listen for us, as warriors calling to Thee, that, armed with Your strength to rise in victory after victory and thwart the evil and oppression of our adversaries, and bring Thy justice to all men and nations. Amen.”
Gen. Patton was already known for his expertise in mobile battle, but his liberation of Bastogne was his most prestigious achievement. On the 26th of December. 26th, just one day before Gen. Patton began his march the 4th Armored, 37th Tank Battalion under the direction of Lieutenant. Colonel Creighton Abrams and Lt. Col Creighton Abrams, broke through the heavily defended German lines in Bastogne.
For the Americans who were confined to Bastogne The Christmas 1944 turned into the most memorable Christmas. The freedom they received just a few days after Christmas was an unforgettable experience. General. Patton and his 3rd Army were Santa Claus to the troops under the siege.
The war would rage on for a further five months following the Battle of the Bulge. Germany’s unconditional surrender took place on May 8, 1945.
Let us enjoy Christmas this year, and give thanks for the most precious present of all Jesus Christ’s birth. Jesus Christ. Let us remember the soldiers from Bastogne and be grateful to those sailors and soldiers who aren’t going tobe back home for Christmas this year. They’re in Bastognesomewhere working to make sure we have a joyous Christmas here. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!
John Vick
An author’s father was Sgt. John Aubrey Feagin, 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion, 17th Airborne Infantry Regiment was killed on the 25th of January 1945, during the final phases of the Battle of the Bulge. He was the best friend and cousin of author’s father Frank Vick. John Aubrey Feagin was a native of Enterprise, Alabama, and the sole son of Hubert Feagin and Edith Feagin. This story is dedicated to his memory.
(Sources: Quora, History.net, U.S. Business Insider, army.mil, Wikipedia, Fold3[Sources: Quora, History.net, army.mil, Wikipedia, Fold
The article ColumN The Christmas of the soldiers 1944 was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
