Bravery
 in battle

   Regarding "The last casualties of the Battle of the Bulge" (Other Views, Dec. 16
   On Dec. 17, 1944, we received word that the Germans were sending their Panzer Divisions into the Ardennes. We loaded into trucks that were waiting to take the men into Belgium 90 miles from where we were stationed. On the 18th, we arrived in Werbomont. We were sent there to stop the 5th Panzers, whose objective was to take Antwerp. The 101st was trucked into Bastogne. The town was soon encircled by German armored units.
   Our general, Anthony McAuliffe, was given a note by the German commander demanding that he surrender the town. His reply was, "Nuts!"
   The siege ended when units of Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army broke through the German defenses. We were happy that it was over, but sad because we knew all those brave men who lost their lives would not see Christmas or share any other Christmases with their loved ones.
   I think about the men we lost almost every day. But most of all at Christmas. That's why I always say those who have passed from this world die only if those who love them forget.

 Pete DeVries
Wallington, Dec. 17

The writer served in the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, during World War II.

[The Record, Hackensack, NJ, 23 Dec 2014, Tue, Main Edition, Page A8