SGT. VICTOR CABRERA REPORTING:
Greetings Baker Co., of the 502nd/101st!
What an amazing Event we had at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Operation Nordwind. The event was based on the last major German offensive of World War II on the Western Front. It began on 31 December 1944 in Alsace and Lorraine in northeastern France, and it ended on 25 January.
Thanks to the preparation, training and hard work Baker Co. did to make it happen. Everything went smoothly as planned. No one got hurt and everyone had a good time. Goes to show a little training can go a long way when it really counts.
Friday:
Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon was split-up into 2 squads, Baker Co of the 502nd/101st being 1st Squad and the 8th, 9th & 83rd were merged together to form 2nd Squad. The German's went first to set up the defensive line while the Allied forces were on the offensive. It didn't take long for the I and R Platoon to encounter the German line and the battle began. What really impressed me was the speed and the tactics implemented to attack the German defenses when we were pinned down by German Anti-tank gun. We took some casualties but we were able to neutralize the enemy position with their main gun.
Rest of the day consisted mainly of mopping up the stronghold of the Germans with our Armored tanks till a squad of German Wehrmacht captured one of our M8 armored vehicle. Used it on us with the 50 Cal. machine gun and cut us to pieces. Wow what an ending for the rest of the day.
Saturday:
By the next day, it was time to redeem our Platoon. The Platoon has now grown to 3 squads as more people showed up. The 502nd/101st (1st squad), the 8th and 9th (2nd squad) and the 83rd (3rd squad) respectively. Our mission was to Recon the Bridge at Check Point "Rattler" which was the bridge, report any enemy activity in the area and if deserted, defend and hold the bridge for main Allied forces to get through.
I and R Platoon split up into 3 defensive positions to cover the bridge. 2nd and 3rd squad was at the south side while 1st Squad 502nd/101st (Baker Co.) covered the north side of the bridge. We were set-up hidden behind the creek bed as the German Side Car scouts and Horse Cavalry left us undetected. It wasn't long before the German half-truck and Panzer to show up to lead the charge with the German Army behind them. 2nd and 3rd Squad of I and R Platoon opened a suppressive fire from the south side of the bridge drawing enemy fire. The narrow opening of the bridge kept the armored vehicles limited in mobility, as they maneuvered back and forth.
This left a huge window of opportunity for Baker Co. to attack the Panzer and half-truck from the rear. We came out of the woods guns blazing and planted a grenade in each of the vehicles. Didn't take long for the remaining Germans to scatter and took defeat with astonishment. Baker Co. took the Germans by surprise with speed and accuracy that they smiled and gave us a steady applause!
When the Allied forces finally crossed the bridge, they were in amazement as to how a small band of brothers from Recon Platoon decimated the the German Panzer Blitzkrieg. Needless to say the Allied Armored Div was disappointed that they never got to face the Panzers haha!
Rest of the day consisted of pushing the German Line back to their starting Check Point " Boa". I and R Platoon was on the north side of the hill giving support to the Allied Command.
All in all an awesome job well done. Till the next event and always be ready! Lastly stay sharp!
I remain,
Sgt. Hollywood
