Cobra King - First Tank Into Bastogne 1944

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The fascinating story of 'Cobra King', a Sherman tank that was first to break the terrible siege of Bastogne during the 1944 Battle of the Bulge, and its subsequent accidental preservation.
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
Help support my channel:
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; US Army; Mace4301.
Primary Sources:
- 'The Battle of the Bulge 1944 (2) Bastogne' by Stephen Zaloga (2004)
- 'Snow & Steel' by Peter Caddick-Adams (2014)

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Thanks to War Thunder for sponsoring this video. Click the link and claim your bonuses: playwt.link/markfelton

[@SyntheticVoices]

Wow. Remember that episode of Mark Felton gaming when you got rekted by a tiger tank n00b

[@joeps9151]

@ 1:35: wARthunder!

[@zaynevanday142]

What would have happened if the German offensive was successful ?

[@nyccoyax3831]

@@zaynevanday142 they would probably have the area captured for a few days/weeks before the weather cleared up and allied reinforcements arrived to push back the tired, army without fuel and ammo

[@PausePause98]

Is there a MarkFelton clan in War Thunder? Tank historian ConeOfArc has a clan in the game that can fight battles together, but the member count reached its limits and no further players can join.

[@gregglistrom2483]

My great uncle was a platoon commander in C/37 and was in the tank Casey Jones immediately behind Cobra King that day.

[@VJTedescoIII]

If so then his gunner was the late Neil French, who I had the pleasure of knowing through the 37th Armor Alumni Association.

[@inyobill]

@@VJTedescoIII Jaw-dropping. My father was a half-track commander with 3rd Armored Div. in the battle. Never knew the man, long story, always wished I knew his history.

[@battlejitney2197]

@@VJTedescoIII Courage Conquers!

[@raymondtonns2521]

God bless your uncle and all those who froze and died

[@brandonhallam51]

My moms uncle was part of Easy Company and was extremely happy to have yours arrive.

[@holly-hawk]

My grandpa, Leo Guy Lee fought in the battle at Bastogne. Earning a purple heart. He would tell me stories and he would cry, often. We were very close and I miss him.

[@J.i.M.9604]

I've always wondered about the Cobra King in WarThunder thanks for explaining

[@michaelhowell2326]

There is a "more information" tab that you click to get all kinds of info. Both useful and useless.

[@cocknfire830]

"Cobra King" aka "Jumbo for retards"

[@mr_ThreeEight_1776]

It's one of the few US tanks that actually works on that commie cope game

[@sheeplord4976]

@@mr_ThreeEight_1776 Having played US and Russian tanks in the game, I can confirm that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. The game has been updated over the years, and while you have the occasional nonsensical shot, most things behave as they ought to.

[@mr_ThreeEight_1776]

@@sheeplord4976 they literally don't work like they're supoosed to, i've busted my ass up to the proto abrams, conquerer, kingtig105&jagdtiger, mid way through japan, italy, france. Russia is literally the easiest and more powerful country on the game.

[@Charles-xe2qh]

"Cobra King" was a Sherman "Jumbo" variant, which I think is the most interesting variant of the Sherman. It proves that a much more heavily armoured version of the Sherman was viable and useful. The heavy "Jumbo" variant is now largely forgotten. But it might have proved very useful in the close fighting in Normandy.

[@jjahsepuyeshd]

I read that the guys who manned the "Jumbo's", didnt really write anything about their experiences after the war. Therefore, there is not much known how these functioned day to day.

[@qwopiretyu]

@@jjahsepuyeshd imagine your tank experience being so safe and mundane you don't need to share it because it was just work. Goals

[@tomhenry897]

To be fair everyone after the war wanted to write a book

[@inyobill]

@@qwopiretyu Many, many vets just did not talk about their experiences.

[@michaelhowell2326]

In my honest opinion the Sherman was the best tank of WWII. It was continued to be used by multiple militaries for decades after it was retired by the US. And not just warlords. Real militaries.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

Dad was in a Sherman tank during that campaign. He called it "Christmas in Hell".😮

[@thunderbird1921]

Wow, what a story he must have had to tell. Probably one of the coldest and most bitter Christmases in modern memory for Americans apart from Pearl Harbor and possibly Korea 1950, when the Chinese were viciously attacking our boys after their surprise entry into that war. Props to your father for doing his job and surviving that vicious clash.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

@@thunderbird1921 thank u for your kind comment. Dad also was in Korea. But surprisingly he said being in the trenches in Korea was even colder than being in the Battle of the Bulge!

[@thunderbird1921]

@@sistergoldenhair2231 I can definitely believe it. The frost bite our soldiers received there (such as at Chosin Reservoir) was horrific at times. The Korean winters were said to be "cold enough to freeze the tail off a brass monkey" (referring to the monkey sculptures common in East Asia). Your father was one incredible man, to survive not one, but TWO of the most hellish and mentally trying wars we've ever fought. Much for your family to be proud of.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

@@thunderbird1921 yes Dad said no winter gear so he saw many freeze to death. Thx for your comments.

[@rudivomschauerberg6344]

grandpa was gunner on 88mm gun on the other side. He called it "the bloody end"

[@richardsmith9609]

I was stationed at Ferris Barracks from 1976 to 1979. Cobra King sat in front of the post Headquarters building all the while I was there. I was in 1st BN/35th Armor and our mechanics actually got it in running condition. It took part in at least two parades by circling the parade grounds under its own power. By coincidence I had also been stationed at Rose Barracks, near Vilseck Germany. for 3 years prior to being stationed in Erlangen. I have several pictures of this historic tank.

[@flyingdonkey420]

Thank you for duty and service. All respect for you and our country!

[@timf2279]

Thanks for the info. Glad she was saved.

[@frederickgolebiowski1634]

I too was stationed at Ferris Barracks from 1975 to 1976.

[@richardsmith9609]

@@frederickgolebiowski1634 What Battalion were you in?

[@frederickgolebiowski1634]

@@richardsmith9609 I was one of five 11B (Infantry) NCOs detailed to a CSC as a Redeye Team Chief when they came up short of 16P Air Defense Artillery NCOs. Don't recall what Battalion it was.

[@julijansidneypicej4701]

Mark the Man who filmed everything himself

[@thefirstkingdogo1126]

I heard he is already fliming ww3

[@ianrobson3258]

@@thefirstkingdogo1126 ha ha ha. Good one. !

[@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269]

Mark the man you don't have to watch .

[@matthewbratton3825]

Cream of the crop again Mr. Felton.

[@germen343]

Stop writing like you're from the inner city.

[@383Spec3]

The US Army from what I have seen did actually wanted to restore it inside and out. The issue is not only did sit outside as a display for most of it's life, when it was knocked out for the last time it brewed up. With no interior paint or rust protection for that long, everything inside just rusted away. At least the shell still exists today and will for many generations to come.

[@jplabre]

Thank you for the precision. I wondered which original pieces were left.

[@383Spec3]

@@jplabre Turret, hull, suspension is probably all that's left that was original to the tank.

[@thomasmccrea8149]

Yeah I gotta go see her. The National Museum I of the Army is just a 2 hour drive up I-95 from me ! I didn’t realize she was the Sherman on display.

[@jjtimmins1203]

Without constant maintenance and a weatherproof environment these poor guys succumb to mother nature. But yes the hardened steel shell will last many generations. I remember seeing kids in Saipan playing on tanks half-submerged in the ocean, same tanks that their daddies had played on.

[@sjonnieplayfull5859]

@@jjtimmins1203 saw pics on Google Earth of Shermans on Iwo Jima, still aiming at the last thing they targeted. Burned and rusty, but they remain still

[@sebastiangeller8637]

So "Cobra King" was the first tank to enter the besieged Bastogne (and survived WWII). There are so many stories to read and yet to learn about. This is one of those stories. Very nice work Sir.

[@cshelley5658]

Thanks for all your hard work Dr Felton, Merry Christmas. As a Historian myself, I always appreciate how you never give away any spoilers on how this World War 2 thing ended; yet keep us coming back for more! 🙂

[@stevepritchett6563]

@C Shelley: Spoiler alert...................This "World War 2 thing" ended with the Allies beating the Axis forces, ending the war. Sorry if I spoilt it for you 😂

[@lukabrdar6732]

@@stevepritchett6563 so,good guys lost? 😒

[@cuppatea3545]

It ends with a one world government one way or another.

[@georgehh2574]

@@lukabrdar6732 There are not-good guys and there are worse guys. There are no good guys in war.

[@georgehh2574]

@@cuppatea3545 Spoilers: one world government is a batsh*t conspiracy theory, the reality is that countries rely on each other and cooperation is necessary.

[@danielwyvern8892]

As a veteran of 1st Battalion, 37th Armor, having served 1971-73 at Katterbach, Germany, I really appreciate your work Mr Felton.

[@pucmahone3893]

My dad was in the 101st airborne, 506 E company. How he made it through the war and dodged all those bullets I’ll never understand!

[@Iderspider]

Was he featured on band of brothers?

[@pucmahone3893]

@@Iderspider I am not aware of that.

[@Iderspider]

@@pucmahone3893 have you watched it? What was his name if you don't mind me asking?

[@dr.ryttmastarecctm6595]

My Uncle was in the Bastogne AO during this battle. He was an officer in the US Rangers. As he has since passed away, a segment on Ranger activity during this period of WW2 in the ETO would be appeciated.

[@clintonreisig]

Praise in memory of the great men who fought inside and near bastogne. They usually fought for long periods with low ammunition, little sleep, and tremendous uncertainty, but they never faltered in their their morale. Salute to the heroes !

[@David-yo5ws]

A documentary I saw had a soldier saying he kept his eating tools inside his shirt, which caused him to get dysentery. So another thing to suffer, along with the cold. He just remembered the cold mostly. Unbelievable stories from that campaign. Heroes we should always remember.

[@sjonnieplayfull5859]

@@David-yo5ws and he kept them inside his shirt to keep them warm, or he did not have a pack to carry them in?

[@David-yo5ws]

@@sjonnieplayfull5859 I believe it was to muffle any sound that the utensils might make. If he put them on the outside, they could reflect light or knock against something and reveal their position.

[@sjonnieplayfull5859]

@@David-yo5ws sounds legit. Crappy disease to pick up (no pun intended) but a small price to pay to survive

[@David-yo5ws]

@@sjonnieplayfull5859 And it highlights the very small details that a 'foot soldier' needed to know to survive the close front line positions. In the Ardennes Forest offensive, the new fresh recruits did not get 'training' from the tired, exhausted veterans and so many (sent to the front line) got killed over something simple, like lighting a cigarette in the fox hole without covering the roof, which led to light being seen by the nearby German troops, who dropped mortars into that zone. Tiny details that don't seem important to the average YT couch potato, till you learn about it in war documentaries directly from the brave men that were there. Bless them all.

[@RmasterD]

Wow! I was at Rose Barracks from February 2002 until December 2004 minus a six month deployment to Iraq as an Airborne Tanker of TF-1/63 in Operation Airborne Dragon. I've seen Cobra King during my time in Vilseck. Good times. Good times, indeed.

[@Mace4301]

I noticed you used my image of Cobra King I took back in August at the end of your video. It's an absolute honor to have my work being used by you! I appreciate the credit in the description as well.

[@blank557]

I highly recommend the 1949 movie "BattleGround" starring Van Johnson, covering the heroic defense of Bastogne by the 101st. Its very accurate portraying the desperate situation faced by the US troops who were cut off and surrounded. The infantry firefight featured later in the film is as real and exciting as any combat portrayed in a war film. The climax of the weather breaking and US planes finally arriving is intensively moving and thrilling.

[@thunderbird1921]

I've seen that film, unbelievable it's so forgotten. So many of those late 40s and 50s World War II movies deserve much more attention today. There's some magnificent storytelling in them and some of them are actually more accurate than the recent decades ones.

[@blank557]

@@thunderbird1921 Yes indeed. Several of the actors were vets themselves.

[@kyleh3615]

Hey Kinnie, whatever happened to Jodie?

[@larrydee8859]

The movie battleground was one of the best world war 2 movies ever made, In my opinion. Yes, they used actual veterans in the movie. The audio of the m1s sound very realistic. The GIs, complaining about things, also helps make the movie much more accurate.

[@captainsergeant]

@@kyleh3615 He's at home taking care of everybody's wives and girlfriends while you heroically serve.

[@davidcarr7436]

Be nice to see a story on the Sherman of the 27th Armoured Regiment (Sherbrooke Fusiliers) nickname "Bomb", the only Canadian tank to land in Europe on D-Day and survive continuous action until the end of the war. It is preserved at the William Street Armoury in Sherbrooke Quebec.

[@westpointsnell4167]

That would be a good half American &Canadian story

[@user-yr9ml1tb4r]

11:52 hey. Come to London ,Ontario. Holy Roller. Served til the end in the 1st Hussars.

[@kyledunn6853]

Merry Christmas to you Professor Felton and to the 101st Airborne Division.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Another good one Dr. Felton! Thanks for the "Christmas present!" All may find this interesting. About 30 years ago I read an article in a military history magazine written by the commander of Tank Company B who's name I'd forgotten but who was probably Captain Dwight. In the captain's article he said his tank company was getting close to Bastogne but was about to run out of gasolene. What to do? Well, they'd captured a German fuel depot and decided to use the German gas. Now, using captured German fuel was against directives as the German gasolene didn't have as high of an octane rating as the American gas did and could cause engine damage, but Company B decided to take the risk and in the end it was worth it. Later, Colonel Abrams asked the captain how he managed to get to Bastogne with the fuel he had knowing it wouldn't have been possible, so the captain told him. "You did WHAT?" replied Abrams. But considering the result Abrams let it go but with a warning, "DON'T do that again!" And a Merry Christmas to you and yours Doctor Felton!

[@battlejitney2197]

I was stationed at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, GE from ‘92-‘95 as a young 2nd Lt and Abrams tank platoon leader in 1-37AR. This old tank was marked as Cobra King at the time. I climbed all over it and photographed it several times. Rumor was it was the genuine article, later to be authenticated. I was glad to see it properly recovered and restored to its December ‘44 configuration. Thanks for highlighting this important artifact.

[@williamharris9525]

Are you kidding? She was moved to Ferris Barracks? I was stationed there in 1988 to 1990 with the 2/70th armor and that was the tank that sat out in front of the 37th armor barracks next to first brigade headquarters, first armored division. I had no idea that Sherman tank, of which I have a picture of, was used in the battle of the bulge to relieve the 101st airborne division. Professor Felton, thank you so much for this information of which I was completely ignorant of prior.

[@jamest2401]

The 17th Airborne was at Bastogne as well, but always seems to be overshadowed by the 101st’s participation. My Grandfather was in the 17th, was at Bastogne, and was in a glider unit in the crossing of the Rhine. I would love to see a video dedicated to this fascinating and often overlooked unit, covering it’s progress throughout the war.

[@jasonirwin4631]

from what I can find the 17th was stationed in England when the Germans first attacked while the 101st and 82nd were in France. poor weather delayed the 17th's flight to France so while the 101st was able to reenforced Bastogne before the Germans encircled the town and the 82nd was able to retake chenux from piper. the 17th's delay caused them to assigned to the 3rd army they only reached Bastogne as part of the 3rd army. I don't doubt your grandfather was in and probably fought around Bastogne but the 17th weren't in the town for the encirclement. the 101st got famous for the encirclement. sadly the 17th has to share it's fame with the rest of 3rd army. from what I can tell the first time the 17th entered combat was along side the 87th infantry retaking several village west of Bastogne. the 17th would leave the Ardennes region after linking capturing the town (located21 miles north west of Bastogne) and linking up with British 51st infantry division.

[@jamest2401]

@jasonirwin4631: Yes, I knew that they fought for the relief of Bastogne, rather from inside it, and I think I do remember him saying something regarding Patton's 3rd Army (I was lucky enough to have had opportunities to discuss his experiences before he died in the late 1990's, & you know, I wouldn’t trade having had those moments for all the money in the world). But whether it’s the 101st, or Patton, the 17th gets ne’er a mention. They always seem to be overshadowed by those two big headliners, & I just don’t want them to be forgotten. I’ve read parts of a book he left behind, dedicated to all the exploits of the 17th Airborne. I think Dr. Felton would be the perfect candidate, to research, develop, & create a video presentation worthy of what the division endured; to explain how & why they mattered. You know, not only was my maternal grandfather in that division, but he was merely the youngest of 2 (or maybe 3) of his older brothers who enlisted at the same time & signed on for the 17th as well. My grandfather was only 17 at the time & lied about his age to make enlistment with his older brothers. What a generation!

[@bethhentges]

@@jasonirwin4631 Do you know the story of the 94th ID after the Bulge?

[@holsen78]

There is a Cobra King at the Vehicle Restoration Center in Bastogne Belgium. It might be a replica, i don't doubt your sources, but nevertheless a Sherman Jumbo in driving state. In fact all around 80 vehicles in the exhibition are in driving ready condition. Doesn't look of much from the inside, in fact I nearly didn't go in as it looked like another tourist trap from the outside, but when you get inside the old hangars - just wauw. And the guides are in a class of their own - If in the area it for sure is worth a visit!

[@NlGHTSKY]

Yes it's a replica made from another jumbo ! altought the bastogne casern is still full of very interesting historic vehicles

[@thatonetraindoge]

Yeah, its a real jumbo painted up as cobra king since the real one was moved back to the states

[@johndavis6119]

It was in the campaign to relieve the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions that my father, who was in Patton’s 3rd army was seriously wounded when he caught a German antitank grenade in his mouth, knocking out the teeth on the right side of his mouth and knocking him off the tank. He spent the rest of the war recovering. The grenade never exploded. Since all his service records were destroyed in a fire at Ft. Leavenworth in the 80s, all I have to go by is what my family told me.

[@DomPatek]

Nothing on KZbin comes close to Mark's content. Pure quality.

[@ianc8999]

Currently building a model of this tank ready to adorn my workspace. Very interesting to hear the background.

[@Vincentschneider007]

I saw cobra king at Ft. Knox and also saw it at Ft. Benning during its restoration along with seeing it at the US Army museum in Washington DC. I actually have a picture of it at Ft. Benning along with a picture of it at the Museum in DC. Great content Mr. Felton, keep up the great work.

[@TBagr]

So many of those forgotten pieces scattered throughout the world. Thank you Dr. Felton for finding them, one at a time.

[@inyobill]

There's a vid out about the C-3 that led the air assault on D-Day, was rediscovered and has been restored.

[@raypurchase801]

December is a good month for videos about the Bulge.

[@johnnyloco970]

My father, 501st of the 101st was outposted at the railroad tracks at the dividing line between the 501st and 506th PIR. On Jan 2nd the attack on 2nd panzer and the 506 to take the town of Foy and 501st foy road was initiated. My father was hit by shrapnel from a tree burst and nearly died in the snow but because Patton opened the road south making it possible to be moved to France for surgery he lived a long, although disabled life.

[@julianjackson6824]

I'm surprised you don't say more about the tank itself: it is a rare M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo assault tank: much more heavily armoured than normal M4s. Only 254 were ever built, for the breakout from Normandy = Operation Cobra, so presumably this tank also fought there. M4A3E2s were considered more survivable by their crews because of the heavy armour, and were well-liked. They often led columns for that reason, so that is why it broke through into Bastogne.

[@999torino]

I think a large number of viewers of this channel know what a Jumbo is.

[@RCAvhstape]

Thanks for the info, Julian.

[@warplanner8852]

@@999torino I did not. Thanks, Julian!

[@Aengus42]

@@999torino I didn't and found the information useful.

[@stevevanvalkenburg5449]

I knew a gentleman in our town who was a machinegunner with the 106th Division. His regiment didn't surrender, pulled back and held fast. He always told me every time I saw him in winter how cold it was in the Ardenes. He got frostbite in both feet but after time in hospital he returned to combat. He passed away three years ago at the age of 95. RIP, my friend.

[@pmangeri]

Yes, I heard Mark say it! 37th Tank BN!!!! That was my unit in the late 80s and had a very strong alumni organization. We had a reunion this year at ft benning. The last veteran was able to attend a couple years ago, he was in the second tank into Bastogne. He has passed now. Thev37th related units have a great legacy and today’s veterans carry that forward.

[@fryfrysk]

The small bunker just outside Assenois, still is there today. It was built by the belgian army just before WWII. It was at that time part of the perimeter defenses of Bastogne by the 101 Airborne. At that point Lt.Bogess of 4th armoured met with Lt.Webster of the 326th AEB thus breaking the german siege of Bastogne. It is marked with a plague in english and french marking this event.

[@eTraxx]

Funny. I walked around this tank taking photos (which I have long since misplaced/lost). I think it was Erlangen but may have been Vilseck. I say that as I was at Erlangen until they closed it down and then went to Vilseck .. same as the tank. The sad thing is that I was simply out walking and took photos .. without any idea of what importance the tank was at the time.

[@VagoniusThicket]

I was a medic for 2nd howitzer/ 35 Arty 1965 . Went to Vilseck for maneuvers from Dachau army base . We had 155s and a couple of 280 mm . Still have ringing in my ears almost 60 years later . Carried m14 my favorite rifle. Remember 4 d,marks to the dollar and everything was affordable.

[@markellifson4910]

Amazing story. Mark always finds an interesting story to share. Glad he's around. My grandfather served in the southern European theater and as kids he never shared a lot of what he went thru. It's like they felt in was a job and just did it

[@lostinspace013]

It's absolutely awesome that this tank still exists.

[@Aspir3xx]

I've been waiting for Dr. Felton to produce a video regarding the M4A3E2 Jumbo especially this one. Personally I like the Jumbo because it's proof that the Sherman can be a heavy tank despite it's design being that of a medium tank. The Jumbo to me is the peak of the Sherman's design and yes while the Easy Eight is the pinnacle of the Sherman line the Jumbo deserves recognition because of it having the armor that's equal to the Tiger or Panther or even surpasses both tanks while still having the sufficient mobility and firepower to that of a medium tank.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Wasn't really a comparable heavy tank though because the Jumbo didn't have the firepower of the Tiger and Panther. It had the mediocre 75mm. Even when later refitted with the 76mm it was still under gunned for a heavy tank of 1945. Jumbos had mobility issues. The extra weight put strain on the running gear and slowed it down.

[@kbanghart]

@@lyndoncmp5751 yeah, Sherman wasn't ever meant as a heavy.

[@edwardloomis887]

Thank you for mentioning where Cobra King is today. It was lowered into the the-in-construction National Museum of the U.S. Army by crane when the museum was still being built. It didn't run, and really couldn't be dragged in by a recovery vehicle. Like our assorted museum ships like the only remaining dreadnought-era battleship USS Texas, Americans tend to rally around certain tangible military artifacts.

[@jamesphilip6737]

Nice to hear the Jumbo Sherman survived and was restored.

[@meanstavrakas1044]

My Grandfather was there. Command Sargant Major & Green Beret Robert Gust Stavrakas, United States Army 1943-1983. He was in the 101st Airborne Division. He absolutely hated Germans for the rest of his life, but did say he respected the fighting ability of the SS. He called himself one of "Battered Bastards of Bastone" because they had no mama, no papa, and no Uncle Sam.

[@tttyuhbbb9823]

I think they were million times more luckier than the Bastards of Batam!... 🤔🤫🤔

[@Juancheros]

Yes Battling Bastards of Bataan were never relieved and left on their own.

[@meanstavrakas1044]

@@Juancheros Thank you for your kind words. Merry Christmas and be safe.

[@FantomWireBrian]

Dad was in charge of a special gun squad put together by Patton. He was one of his battle weary and fought to within a day of breaking in . He came into service anti tank and due to him surviving Normandy and his move through the Hedge row country he was promoted to a Sargent and sent to Bastogne. I don't remember ever hearing about this tank, but dad was so deep in he was confused , but never lost .Him and his men were in so deep that a Mustang dropped and almost took them out . Dad was captured after running ahead of his men and after shooting a German soldier and while taking care of him the dying soldiers buddy got the jump on him and he was captured Christmas Eve in the afternoon. He was questioned by a German officer who claimed he was lost. Dad never was and if not captured would've been the first in .He spent 6 months as a POW and barely survived . The 101st never suffered like he did to save them 😎

[@inyobill]

Much has been made of the relief of the Ardennes by Patton. Very little is heard about the 3rd Armored Division under General Rose (See: 10:56: "Rose Barracks"). The division had actually already entered German territory near Aachen, made a 180 when The Bulge broke out and figured heavily in defeating the Germans in the Ardennes. They then turned around again and were first in German territory (I believe) twice.

[@sugarnads]

Never hear an american talk about the 21st army relieving from the north either

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Montgomery's XXX Corps did a 180 as well and got to the Meuse to help the Americans.

[@tomst9417]

My dad was in the 3rd Armored Division and participated in the Bulge.

[@inyobill]

@@tomst9417 I'm living not more than about 20 minute drive rom where our Dads passed in March/April 1945. There are still field fortifications (rifle trenches) extent in the woods next to our house overlooking the approach of the 3rd over the Swisttal plain. what a weird world we live in.

[@christophercripps7639]

Very interesting story of a Sherman. There is significance in that Cobra King was knocked out in Nov. '44 and returned to service in time to relieve Bastogne in December. Knocked out could be anything from the engine or transmission to suspension units. These are all repairs the USA had parts in the pipeline and were relatively easy to do. Changing the tranny in a Sherman involved cranes and unbolting the front armoured tranny cover. Suspension units simply were bolted on the sides. Contrast the Panther Pzkfw V for which the turret had to be removed to replace the tranny. Suspension repairs often involved removal of several of the interleaved road wheels.

[@martinbarrett6249]

Another well produced interesting bespoke piece.

[@rolfagten857]

Yes indeed sir!

[@joshuagibson2520]

bespoke is the most annoying word ever.

[@Gotooh]

It's an awesome display. My buddy got lucky and was picked to be the model for the tank commander

[@Ferr1963]

06:41 I love that M10 covered in sheets like a ghost

[@randyoehling1701]

It is Battle of the Bulge COLD in Western Pennsylvania right now. I can only imagine what it was like fighting outside in that cold now! I think those men spent the entire winter outside in it. Incredible!

[@larrydee8859]

Thanks again Dr Felton for another very informative, anniversary, Battle of the bulge video! (Every year I look forward to seeing a Battle of the Ardennes, documentary. Every Christmas season, back in the '70s many of my coworkers were world war II veterans. They would speak about the cold and snowy weather, reminding them of the Battle of the bulge. That would share with us younger guys, their incredible world war two experiences especially during the cold winter of 1944 45). Thanks again sir, for all your great historical work!

[@iamnolegend483]

“The Operations Room” has an excellent in-depth series on this series of battles.

[@paulstewartcrane]

My Father fought at St. Vith. 28th Div 110 brigade. Just 1 Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts. He just wanted to see Audy Murphy. A Legend. But Audy was always ahead of everybody.

[@jeffreywilmer]

Your efforts to the details are incredible. One of the best war history channels on KZbin.

[@lappin6482]

amazing that it survived all that time, great story....thanks mark

[@PUBHEAD1]

Perfect timing. Just having my morning coffee on a very chilly December morning. Cheers from a chilly (-35c) Canada

[@sb859]

Merry Christmas Mark, thank you for your efforts!

[@steven2212]

Merry Christmas to you Dr Mark, many happy returns. Look forward to your content into the next year, thank you!

[@tomharrington1453]

I was stationed at the Ferris Barracks in Erlangen from 1983 to 1985. I recall seeing that tank on display near our parade ground.

[@Khasidon]

The battle of the Bugle and Bastogne is now a Christmas story that is told every year on KZbin by different youtubers. There seems to be thousands of stories yet to be told.

[@ahorsewithnoname773]

From the Ardennes offensive specifically the fighting on Elsenborn ridge has been overlooked both then and now. Bastogne was a major town so it had press present to cover the 101st Airborne's heroic stand, while the fighting 46 miles / 74 km to the northeast of Bastogne was more out of sight and out of mind. The fighting at Elsenborn however was more vital to determining the outcome of the offensive, in that the troops on that edge of the battlefield met and eventually stopped Germany's main thrust, which was also comprised of the best remaining troops Germany had available for the offensive. The fighting on that corner of the field was also no less savage than the action around Bastogne. Here is how the National WW2 museum in New Orleans describes the battle for the town of Krinkelt for example.. "In the early morning darkness, 2nd Division GI’s in Krinkelt could hear the unmistakable sounds of heavy armor. The lead elements of the 12th SS, who had punched into the town the night before, were pulling out of Krinkelt and moving towards the rear area. Thinking that the day had been won before it began, many of the GI’s holed up in and around Krinkelt breathed a sigh of relief. Their sighs of relief soon turned into fear as two full battalions of SS Panzergrenadiers, supported by a regiment of the 277th Volksgrenadiers and over 70 tanks roared straight at Krinkelt and the 38th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The battle for the town raged all day, American heavy artillery and Sherman tanks fired side and rear shots at the German armor accounting for many of their enemy. Yet despite the heavy losses, the 12th SS pushed on. The fighting in the town soon dissolved into vicious hand to hand action inside houses and in the streets. In some instances, American units occupied the top floor of a house while the Germans occupied the ground floor. Men shot at each other from houses across the street. American infantrymen jumped on top of the enormous Panthers and Jagdpanthers, as they rolled through the streets and killed the crews, with thermite grenades thrown into the turrets. Soldiers of each army grappled with knives and bayonets in the open streets as machine gun fire and mortars rained down around them. Survivors from both sides described the scene as something out of Dante’s Inferno."

[@Khasidon]

@@ahorsewithnoname773 Who asked?

[@ahorsewithnoname773]

@@Khasidon I am not quite certain what prompted the hostility, but if you post a comment on a youtube video you may get a comment in reply. It is in effect a public space, and that is how it works.

[@Khasidon]

@@ahorsewithnoname773 You wrote a novel. No one is gonna read it. I am just doing you a favour by teaching you of internet etiquette.

[@ahorsewithnoname773]

@@Khasidon The irony of you lecturing anyone on etiquette...lol. Hope the rest of your year is better, and it leaves you less of a miserable person.

[@victorlee7601]

Mark i love your video's. I myself am a combat MP. My real father was a tank commander in europe during ww2. My dad was a paratrooper who's unit was broken up and resigned to infantry due to casualties. I had very little talks to dad about ww2. Something he would never speak of much. He did speak about battlefield promotions. Due to so many death's and wounded. He was promoted from private to a tech sgt. From tech sgt to second lieutenant. Which he turned down. He said it was bad enough being responsible for a squad he didn't want to be responsible for a platoon or company. I watch your video's and understand what my father and dad went through. Keep up the good work and keep those excellent video's coming. Love your work. I live just few miles from ft knox.

[@fordfairlane662dr]

One of the most awesome videos so far!

[@catfish252]

Merry Christmas Mark, thank you for all the great history you give us.

[@jimcollins7052]

Once again Mark another outstanding episode! Thanks again love your content! Keep up the great work!

[@ddviper8813]

I had no idea it was still around and so close to me. Awesome man

[@WimJilf]

Great stuff as always Mark. Many thanks for all your vids this year and I hope you have a super Christmas!

[@gillgetter3004]

Worked with a couple men who were in that battle, both nearly froze early in battle and one was captured then escaped a day later.

[@davidmccann9811]

It's great to see that 'Cobra King' was recovered and restored. Also that it was given a great restoration to display it as it was at the time.

[@rudithedog7534]

Well if Die Hard is a Christmas movie then so is the Battle of the Bulge....happy Christmas Doc Felton

[@johnelliott7375]

Dr. Felton always comes up with the best historical stories and the timing of the history lessons content and facts are as close as you can get to actually being there. Information quality and maps are a beautiful touch. Good morning, Great day, and I will wish you a Happy Holiday Season and I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your family, Dr. Felton. Thanks for sharing this with us and we are enjoying it period! 😉

[@johndilday1846]

Wonderful story as always, Mark. Thanks very much!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Thanks for this piece of history!

[@benisaten]

Thank you Dr. Felton. Always enjoy your WWII videos. Cheers from 🇨🇦 my friend. Lol Anyone who doesn't 👍 Felton's videos = NUTS!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Outstanding video. Thank you for another masterful lesson.

[@OverlordGrizzaka]

I've been waiting for this one. Thank you Mark!

[@carthy29]

Amazingly the remains of the german divisions after the bulge redeployed to hungary and fought another offensive a month later in feb 1945, always amazed me how they tried to the very end instead of surrendering fully in 1944

[@josephosheavideos3992]

An interesting side note to this video: Anthony MacAuliffe was only the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division. Its regular commander, Maxwell Taylor, was attending a staff conference in Washington when the German offensive began. Unlike most military men, MacAuliffe never swore; thus, his famous reply to the German demand to surrender at Bastogne, "Nuts," was the strongest language he typically used. It quickly became a rallying cry for the "Battling Bastards of Bastogne."

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

General Taylor was horrified that he was in Washington when the battle began but it certainly wasn't his fault, he'd been ordered there since no trouble was expected, and there was nothing he could do about it.

[@mbazzy123]

fantastic work Dr Felton ! I truly enjoy learning history from you.

[@Inkling777]

Many thanks! I'm delighted that this important slice of our history survived long enough to be in a museum. Let's hope the long-term survival of the *U.S.S. Texas* can also be assured. Launched in 1912, it is the only remaining capital ship to have served in both WWI and WWII.

[@stevem647]

I was stationed at Hohenfels near Vilseck in the 90's and would occasionally drive by this tank. Had no idea of its history. Thanks for this video! Also, my Dad was in the 1252nd Combat Engineer BN which took part in the relief of Bastonge.

[@williamashbless7904]

Seriously, well researched and presented. Fantastic!

[@dammad8584]

As always interesting, informative and history education all in one. You are the "King" of these videos.....and I love them all...thank you Mark Felton.👍

[@timmyjones1921]

Thank You Dr. Felton.

[@coachjonmichaelmulkeyjiujitsu]

I love a good tank video! Excellent work, Felton!

[@troykauffman3963]

Another outstanding video Mark, thank you. I’ve been to the museum and saw Cobra King; It’s a remarkable story.

[@theGr8goouch]

One of the most enjoyable war thunder premiums as well

[@johnjacobs1625]

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Dr Mark!! Thanks to all those Hero's of Bastogne!! Thx Dad!! RIP Love ya Fisherman Buddy.

[@bruceenagel5934]

Today, December 21,2022. Very interesting history. Thank you Dr. Felton , you are making sure that history isn't forgotten.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks for the history Mark.

[@markunger1098]

I always love these videos. Always something new to learn.

[@harkey3700]

Great work as always Sir

[@genie7172]

Great video! Thank you!

[@tomjackson8256]

This video is a nice early Christmas present!

[@piotrplayz]

Keep up the great work Mark!

[@troymadison7082]

Thank you Dr. Felton for your hard work and passion to keep history alive.

[@SonnyLopez1970]

Appreciate your knowledge and the hard work you would it into your work Mark.

[@more.power.]

Thank you Mark merry Christmas and a great new year.

[@theplasticcommando7394]

Always great content and always learning something new from Mark Felton!

[@RedFeatherAngler]

What an amazing story! Thanks, Mark.

[@tubularfrog]

Another interesting bit of history that would otherwise have been lost to the ages. Thanks and Merry Christmas.