Battle of the Bulge, Episode 9, Gotterdammerung: The Twilight of Kampfgruppe Peiper

[@robertbenson9797]

Great video and presentation. My dad was in the 99th Infantry Division, located around Losheimergraben, Belgium when the Bulge started. After holding out for two days, the 99 th began a “strategic withdrawal” to the Elsenborn Ridge. It was there on the high ground of the Elsenborn Ridge, that US artillery began blasting the advancing German attack. The 99th along with the 2nd Division and the 82nd Airborne Division, held the northern shoulder of the Bulge. While the 101st Airborne received a lot of credit for holding Bastogne, and rightfully so, the 82nd never received as much notoriety for helping hold the northern road net that would have given the Germans the shortest distance to Antwerp. I’ve read that the northern shoulder of the Bulge was considered the “Little Round Top” of the battle. I have always been proud that my dad was a veteran of the largest land battle the US Army ever fought.

[@MilitaryHistory317]

Thank you again for sharing this story. It may not have been the greatest moment for the American Army, given the complete surprise, but it was the most significant moment for the American G.I. You have places like Marnach and Clervaux that nobody knows about that became an "Alamo" and the amazing story of the Twin Villages. Few people realize that the issue in the Bulge was still in doubt until after New Year's Day. Patton confided as much in his diary. I could go on and on.

[@derekp2674]

Thanks very much for another informative episode.

[@MilitaryHistory317]

I appreciate your feedback, thank you.

[@dennymeyer7410]

Great stuff - thanks for your hard work

[@MilitaryHistory317]

Thank you as always!

[@curtisphilumalee1447]

Outstanding upload. Crazy thing, I have driven by EL Paso, Illinois multiple times in the 80’s. I spent a good part of my career stationed out of Gulfport, Mississippi and I would drive this route to visit my Grandparents in southern Wisconsin. I often wondered how Piper escaped and I’ve finally got my answer. I didn’t realize they abandoned their equipment. It sounds like Monty had an opportunity to crush the inclusion but made a horrible decision in setting up a defense. Maybe bad intelligence of the current situation ? Thanks from a retired Seabee 79-99.

[@MilitaryHistory317]

I have driven by there dozens of times. Omar Bradley was livid over Monty being placed in command of the Northern Shoulder. Monty has his defenders of the decision to "tidy up" the battlefield. I will need to explore that further.

[@dennymeyer7410]

Thanks! Any advice where to stay in June? Why not start a store for your fans? Just a thought.

[@MilitaryHistory317]

Thank you. Get some swag together? Interesting idea.

[@Parachutist123]

where can I find that patriot site?

[@MilitaryHistory317]

patreon.com/thedatameister In the collections you will find Battle of the Bulge.