Belgium
Bookmark
Share
Directions
On 2 January 1945, 120 men from Companies I and K of the 347th Regiment, 87th US Infantry Division, took cover in the woods of Serlogne. For five days, they exchanged fire with the Germans. Despite the cold, there was only one casualty and two seriously wounded.
On 2 January 1945, Companies I and K of the 347th Regiment, 87th US Infantry Division, devastated by earlier fighting, assembled under the command of Captain Jennings and attacked Bonnerue. The morning passed relatively smoothly until they reached Serlogne Wood, where they faced the enemy. Isolated and in danger of being cut off from their rear line, the GIs, including Harold E. Allan of I Company, decided to remain in position.
On 3 January, after deepening their foxholes, they repelled a German counter-attack. Allan's account described skirmishes, capture of German prisoners and nights spent in difficult conditions.
On 4 January, a German patrol approached but was repulsed. On 5 January, a German car fired into their area, causing a small wound to one of the men. On 6 January, a large shell hit their position, killing one soldier and wounding another.
On the evening of 6 January they were ordered to evacuate. The 345th Regiment took over. Despite the hardships, the contingent was lucky to lose only one man and to have only two seriously wounded during their stay in Serlogne Wood.
The story of Bernie Klemmer, another soldier from the contingent, was also mentioned, highlighting the battles of the winter of 1944-1945 in the region.
Content developed with our partner
Address
Rue de Tony, 6800 Bonnerue