In the following days, all three regiments [of the 3rd Infantry Division, namely the 7th, the 30th, and the 45th Infantry Regiments] drove south several miles, slashing across the countryside, battering down points of resistance, and mopping up areas of thinly scattered resistance.[1]

They relentlessly drove forward as town after town was taken and liberated.

The whole strategy now hinged on speed—to hit the enemy before he could get back on his feet.

Phil had to tell himself and his men, “Sleep is not among our options.”

On January 31, the 30th prepared to drive to the southeast toward the Rhine River for the final phase of cutting off Colmar from Germany’s supply lines.[1]

Prayerfully, as far as the Colmar Pocket was concerned, there was finally light at the end of the tunnel.[1]

~~~~~

[1] Larimore, At First Light, 201.

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