From: An Historical and Pictorial Record of the 87 Infantry Division in WWII:
It was cold, bitterly cold, that morning of December 29 when the infantrymen, the artillerymen, the recons, the tankers, the tank destroyers, the triple-A’s and all the rest of the units of the 87th Division climbed aboard the open 6×6’s for the 100-mile motor march to Seviscourt and Bertrix, Belgium. The roads were frozen and the wind was icy as it whipped across the snow covered hills to torture the men who were moving up to meet the rampaging Germans who were on the loose again.
There was no bivouac nor rest period awaiting them. The 346th Infantry was detached, during the night of 29-30 December, and attacked at 0730 the next morning, advancing nine kilometers that day to positions where they could control the roads leading to Vesqueville and St. Hubert.
The enemy was fighting for the lifeline of his offensive. It was the Houffalize-St. Hubert highway, the loss of which would make him shuttle his men and supplies over secondary, unimproved mountain roads that were practically impassable due to the snow. Jenneville, Pironpre, Bonnerue and Tillet were all key towns on that road. And they were all objectives of the 87th Division.
From 346th Infantry:
THE ARDENNES FIRST PHASE – The next few days were spent in reorganizing the outfit, bringing the rifle companies up to strength, and inspection and repair of equipment, all in preparation for the next move, which came on December 29, to the vicinity of Glaumont, Belgium, to help stem Von Runstadt’s Ardennes breakthrough.
Once again the attack was on, as at 0730 hours the next morning the Second and Third Battalions moved out on a mission to capture and hold the objective, blow all bridges, and to establish road blocks in vicinity of St. Hubert and Vesqueville, Belgium. Things went well and the casualty rate was low, but snow was falling again, slowing things up. In the meantime the Regimental CP had set up at Recogne, Belgium.
New Year’s Day brought no hilarious celebrations or big “morning-after” heads but only snow and continued. cold. Patrols were sent into St. Hubert and VesquevilIe, Frozen feet were no novelty, and the enemy flushed with the immediate success of its salient, was more difficult than ever.
January 4,1945
Dear Family and all,
Not that this isn’t meant for you at home but I, as usual, would like for it to let as many hear from me as possible. This is the first chance I’ve had to write for about a week now so don’t be worried about letters being missing if you hear once in a while. I was blessed with the first mail yesterday evening that I have received since Christmas day. It sure was good to hear from you. Your letters were dated Dec 7 and 20. I also got the first Tribune to reach me since the few in England. It was of Oct. 31 but even at that I enjoyed it. I guess this letter will have to contain my New Year’s greetings and good wishes. With God’s help 1945 will see us together again. May it be His will.
I believe it only fair now to tell you that I have been in combat for a few weeks now. I have always told you not to worry and it it even more so now. If you can put as much faith in God as I do you will have no trouble meeting the situation. I am not ashamed of the fact that all of my trust is in Him. Psalm 27;1. You may be pleased to know that I am finding a lot of real use for the work I spent in learning radio. Keep praying.
Love, Donald
