September 11, 1944 – WWII heroes Winston Churchill and Audie Murphy write about the coming hell in the Vosges
September 10, 1944 – A momentous and historic turning point in the European Battles of WWII
September 10, 2024September 12, 1944 – The capture of Vesoul officially ended the Campaign of Southern France
September 12, 2024September 11, 1944 – WWII heroes Winston Churchill and Audie Murphy write about the coming hell in the Vosges
Dijon, France, was liberated by the Resistance Movement on the 11th of September, 1944. On that day “Dragoon” (the D-Day of 8/15/44) and “Overlord” (the D-Day of 6/6/44) joined hands for the first time at Sombernon, France. In the triangle of Southwest France, trapped by these concentric thrusts, were the isolated remnants of the German First Army, over 20,000 strong, who freely gave themselves up.[1]
For the Germans, this was the beginning of the end. For the US GIs, it was the end of the beginning of WWII.[2]
~~~~~
These are extremely busy days and nights; every man is required to give his utmost.
We are driving into the Vosges mountain chain, which is the chief obstacle lying between us and the Rhine. Speed is most important.
The rain still falls; the coldness increases. Soon snow and ice will take over the rugged hills, increasing the difficulty of our advance immeasurably.
The terrain is perfect for defense.
The thick forests, hiding innumerable snipers and machine-gun emplacements, must often be cleared by tree-to-tree fighting.
The enemy has dug in high upon the steep craggy slopes, from which they pour artillery and mortar fire into our ranks.
At night the fog closes in. Under its cover, the Germans infiltrate our lines; and hand-to-hand fighting becomes commonplace.
I whet my bayonet until it is razor sharp and keep it always handy.[3]
~~~~~
[1] Churchill, The Second World War, 99.
[2] Larimore, At First Light.
[3] Murphy. To Hell and Back. 202.
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