Oscar Prasse and Joe Bressler survived Holland and in November 1944, arrived in Sissonne, France, and were reunited with their close friend Mel Beets. {Mel had been captured in Normandy but escaped.]

The trio enjoyed the "good life" with frequent visits to nearby Reims and the more distant Paris. However, to their dismay, December found them in the embarrassing role [for parachutists] of "jumping" off the back of a truck in Werbomont, Belgium. They were expected to blunt and destroy a massive German attack launched to save the Third Reich. This incursion was later named the "Battle of the Bulge." However, the “bulge” was not on our “triads” agenda.  

During a Hq1 reunion in March 2000, Joe Bressler and Mel Beets described a heretofore-unknown activity that occurred during the “Battle of the Bulge.” With great glee, Joe and Mel entertained the assembly with a tale that belongs in this album.

On Christmas Eve 1944, Oscar, Joe and Mel participated in a 508^th PIR extremely dangerous withdrawal from the Salm River in Belgium.

The 508^th PIR was extended on a salient eight miles into the German area -- providing an escape corridor for the hundreds of survivors from the divisions that had been overrun and severely mauled by the German’s “surprise” attack. Hq1 men were occupying the nose of the salient, and the regiment’s position was perilous. The German armor and infantry forces were getting strong enough to isolate the 508^th PIR from the main battle forces, and then systematically destroy it.  The regiment was ordered to break contact with the Germans and withdraw.

When the order arrived for the regiment to withdraw, in lieu of assured destruction, Oscar, Joe and Mel were faced with a serious dilemma.

Should they abandon the precious supply of beverages, they had carefully assembled for celebrating Christmas and New Years?  Or should they attempt to evacuate their hoard to safety?

The decision was made and a baby carriage was acquired to transport the beverages. Our heroic triad pushed and pulled that carriage all night, through deep snow, over densely forested hills, fighting the cold and Ger-man patrols - and always avoiding the Hq1 officers who would confiscate the beverages.

Note. Although, not highlighted in the historical books written about WW II battles and generalship, the planning and maneuver skills of our triad, in salvaging their "booty," certainly ought to be lauded among the best.