Just remembered that it is July 20th, and that means its the anniversary of the attempt to overthrow Hilter in 1944. That it failed was a shame, but that it was attempted covered those who tried in glory, including their leader Claus von Stauffenberg.
Many things happen and memories get lost, but I think it worthwhile to remember that even in the darkest times under the worst evil, the light of God and the courage of mankind can shine through.
Tags: Claus von Stauffenberg, World War Two
July 20th, 2008
And that means it is the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge:
In December 1944 Adolph Hitler directed an ambitious counteroffensive with the object of regaining the initiative in the west and compelling the Allies to settle for a negotiated peace.
Hitler’s generals were opposed to the plan, but the Fuhrer’s will prevailed and the counteroffensive was launched on 16 December by some 30 German divisions against Allied lines in the Ardennes region. Allied defenses there had been thinned to provide troops for the autumn defensive. Hitler’s intention was to drive through Antwerp and cut off and annihilate the British 21st Army Group and the U.S. First and Ninth Armies north of the Ardennes.
Aided by stormy weather which grounded Allied planes and restricted observation, the Germans achieved surprise and made rapid gains at first, but firm resistance by various isolated units provided time for the U.S. First and Ninth Armies to shift against the northern flank of the penetration, for the British to send reserves to secure the line to the Meuse, and for Patton’s Third Army to hit the salient from the south.
During the battle, 19,000 Americans gave their lives for the liberty of the world - the 101st Airborne was surrounded at Bastogne and received this message from the Nazis:
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours’ term.
All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well known American humanity.
The German Commander.
General McAuliffe’s reply?
Nuts!
Tags: Battle of the Bulge, World War Two
December 16th, 2007
