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Nubber
12-26-2011, 04:01
On this date in 1944 the 4th Armored Division relieved the "Battling Bastards of Bastogne" AKA 101 Airborne Division, during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. The 101's Airborne did not jump into Bastogne, they were trucked in. I had an old friend that was one of the drivers for the "Big Red One", and he told me that of all the bad things he had to do during the war, taking those young boys to Bastogne was the hardest. The 1st Army was retreating and the 101's Airborne was moving up. My friend was 33 at the time and he was taking 18 and 19 year old boys "men" to what he felt like would be certain death. For many it was. Tears would form in his eyes when ever he spoke of this, and he was a tough old codger.
wayne
12-26-2011, 12:27
A senior moment?

Red ball Express was truck drivers, while the " Big Red One" was infantry.
Nubber
12-26-2011, 12:52
A senior moment?

Red ball Express was truck drivers, while the " Big Red One" was infantry.

I had a brain fart. Comes with age.
da gimp
12-26-2011, 07:26
By then the Red Ball express was disbanded, but all their drivers were assigned to outfits. During the battle of the Bulge, most, if not all were handed rifles, both US & German rifles & pressed into the line, along with cooks, bakers & clerks. Most of these guys were black GI's, some not even having fired rifles in Basic, few had since Basic, but my dad said that all that were assigned to his outfit fought like seasoned pros & none broke. They were proving that Black GI's were just as brave as the others. He was very proud of their courage.
tmark
12-26-2011, 07:57
As was the Tuskeegee Airmen whose performance commensurated that of the white flyers.
Beachbumbob
12-27-2011, 06:57
On this date in 1944 the 4th Armored Division relieved the "Battling Bastards of Bastogne" AKA 101 Airborne Division, during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.

My best friends father was 'just an engineer' with the 101st. Growing up he was one of several guys that took an interest in all of us kids and taught us how to shoot. He used to get really PO'd if anyone said "Patton or the 4th Armored RESCUED the 101st". He said our orders were 'to hold until relieved' and when they showed up we were still holding!

I always think of him and the good times he shared with us whenever this subject is broached. Thanks for keeping it correct!! Corporal Robert Norman appreciates it.