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Major General Gavin, CG of the 82nd Airborne was the senior officer available to lead the XVIII Airborne Corps. Gavin assumed command of the XVIII Airborne Corps in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division, and designated McAuliffe, CG 101st Artillery, temporary CG of the 101st Airborne Division.
Late on December 17, the 508th PIR was alerted to move into Belgium to blunt the German attack. By 0900 December 18, the regiment loaded on large open trucks, had joined the 82nd Airborne Division convoy headed for Werbomont - a town in Belgium.
After a long, freezing cold, miserable ride, lacking winter clothing and equipment, the 508th PIR men unloaded in Werbomont and established and all-around defensive position.
The 101st Airborne Division following closely behind the 82nd Airborne Division convoy was halted by approaching German forces, and made its famous stand at Bastogne.
In Need of a Parka, Boots, Gloves
and a Hot Meal
|
After several moves, by foot and truck to block the Germans, the 508th PIR established a defensive position along the Their-du-mont ridgeline west of the Salm River. On 21 December heavy snow began falling on the Their-du-Mont, Garrone, Vielsalm area,.
The 106th Infantry Division and the 7th Armored Division were among the many units overrun by the initial German assault. The 82nd Airborne Division was ordered to provide a safe passage to sanctuaries in the rear  of the allied lines for the survivors of the two divisions.
The 508th PIR was assigned the task. It organized an eight-mile salient from the 82nd Airborne Division area east to the Salm River at Vielsalm. It offered a corridor in which to safely evacuate any survivors of the two divisions that managed to reach the Salm River.
In Need of a
Parka, Boots, Gloves and a Hot Meal |
