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Werbomont, December 19th 1944
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| Farmhouse witch served as a forward command post just east of Werbomont. Note the lean-to woodshed where the spies were kept. |
17 Spies - December 19th, 1944 - Werbomont
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| Three of us, (myself a acting Sgt., a Pvt. and a Lt.) were sent up to the front, (by Colonel Fleming), to establish communications relay between the Colonel and the Batteries. This area was a road running east. We set up our radio trailer (pulled by a weapons carrier) in the front yard of a two-story farmhouse (dull in color, maybe gray) sitting on the south side of the road. The radio used to contact the Colonel was a 177, a two sectioned (stacked) radio. The radio to the Batteries was smaller with less power; I do not recall the name. |
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| We arrived around late afternoon. The Lt. disappeared, I first believed into the farmhouse to sleep, however, he never did return. I established contact for the three-way relay immediately, dusk was settling in. It was cold; I do not recall any snow. With one transmition completed I believe from the colonel to B-Battery, resulted in B-Battery responding " Tell that silly son of a bitch, we aren't gonna to do that." |
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| I responded to the colonel, "Message is given," I then created static to act like the connection was lost. I proceeded to assume the command of the Batteries. I gave a command to B- Battery; the command seemed to be acceptable, by the result and reply of B-Battery. |
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| Center Hat |
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| Notice the missing door where clasp type door use to be, there was no entrance from the front as shown in second photo. |
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| I returned to the jeep, parking it sideways using it as a roadblock. The following jeep and weapons carrier were detained in the same manner. I indicated their comrades were already detained and there are many weapons drawn on you. A total of seventeen, four in the first jeep, five in the second, and eight in the weapons carrier were caught. The second jeep was also used as a roadblock. I left the weapons carrier where I stopped it. With in an hour coming from the north (a field) approximately 24 troops I believe from the 30th Division showed up. After being questioned, and it was determined that we were both American. I was wearing an officer jacket lined with a women's fur coat and also wearing a multi colored scarf, (only an American). We discussed how I caught the spy's, I told them "I don't know who they were trying to fool coming from the German side of the lines, its almost like they wanted to be caught", this seemed to have no bearing on the troops attitude towards the spy's. They agreed to take the spy's when they realized there were only two of us. Comments were made by the infantry about taking them out in a field and shooting them. |
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| After doing research as to who was in the area I believe that the infantry was indeed the 30th Infantry Division, 117th Regt., 2nd Battalion, B Platoon. |
19 December 1944. 0800 hours
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| A coordinated effort with 82nd in stopping German advance between A and B Batteries. A rear C.P. was established before day light about 3 miles west of Werbomont on N-23 for Excess men and equipment from B and H.Q. cleared field for 82nd's operations. Guns moved to better positions after daylight. |
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| 82nd Airborne Monument in Werbomont |
The 82nd Airborne (504th Parachute Inf. Regt.) December 18th - 20th near Werbomont
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| The 82nd Airborne came up to assist us on about the 18th of the month. The German infantry was heavy they were elements of the 1st S.S. Panzer Div. (15 to 20 armored vehicles between A and B Batteries and were attempting to advance. Forwards elements of the 82nd Troops (504th Par.) found it difficult and withdrew to improve their situation, (leaving weapons behind). They regrouped and returned in force the morning of the 20th and drove the SS back. We remained in our positions as support to the troopers. |
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| The 82nd lost the majority of there medics (someone said all of them) and were relying on ours for help. I recall one of our medics telling of a situation where a 82nd Lt. was hit three times. Our medic drug him into a basement to apply 1st aid. He informed him he would have to walk; there was no one to carry him. The Loey said he couldn't make it, the injury was to severe. About that time a Mark 5 stuck its barrel down the steps and fired. When the smoke cleared the tank was gone, a hole was blown in the back wall and the Lt. was gone. When the medic looked back threw the hole, he saw the Lt. running across the field, (he made it!) |
The 50 cal. gunner. December 20th, near Werbomont
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| I remember I believe 3 of us from the 143rd heading north on a rural road, followed by some 82nd troops, maybe 17 of them, (mid-afternoon, some snow but still cold). I made a left turn at a intersection coming upon 6 to 10 infantry firing from the edge of the road, north across a field at German inf., (maybe a little bigger then a foot ball field.) Others and myself moved up to assist resulting in a force of around 30, including a couple 50 cal. (pulled behind a trucks) a Quad 50, and two Tommy-guns. I don't remember if this situation was by request or just evolved. The action seemed to intensify when we joined in, as if the Germans didn't realize we had arrived. We faced a German force of 50 to 60 inf. (ones that were visible,) spread out and charging in small groups, 3 hear, 6 there, spread out around 70ft., they were getting mowed down, there were also some artillery. |
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| I was kneeling then lying, simultaneously shooting my M-1 and evidently hit many. One got within 15ft. before falling; I could see a hole thru his gut area the size of a softball. One 50. cal. was manned by a stocky light completed reddish-blonde haired G.I., this was to the left of me. A machine gun opened up from our left flank shearing off the gunner's legs at the knees, he fell near me (within 15 ft.). He grabbed a rifle and fired until he died. Sergeant Munday and another guy picked up carbines and walked into the Germans firing. I remember that I didn't think the Sgt. was a good soldier until I saw him do this. Firing continued until the Germans were wiped out, it lasted around a half an hour. Dead Germans covered the area in the middle of the field and back to us. Few surrendered on down further to the west from where I was. Later on we withdrew; I believe this situation was when the 82nd beat back the SS thrust back near Werbomont. |
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| T/4 Thomas F. BAILEY |
HQ
143rd AAA Battalion
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Campaigns
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Battle of the Bulge,
Belgium
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