Come along as we revisit Tonice’s time in Europe. He was a combat medic in the 137th Infantry Regiment, but we don’t know which company, or even which battalion. He never really told his family about his experiences so this is only a regimental overview with a glimpse into what his time there was like.
So, then, for Dec. 15:
The enemy opposing the 3rd Battalion continued to hang on bitterly to the Breiterwald Woods on December 15, despite P-47’s bombing and strafing their positions.
After reorganizing its forces, the 3rd Battalion launched another attack on the Breiterwald Woods. Supported by armor, Companies I and K reached the center of the woods, meeting fanatical German resistance all the way from Nazi armor to infantry. Shortly before dark, the two 3rd Battalion units were counterattacked. During the night they were very heavily shelled by enemy artillery and mortar fire.
The 1st Battalion protected the north flank with Company E remained south of the Blies River and assisted the 1st Battalion. Company G, attached to the 3rd Battalion, operated on its left flank for protection while Company F remained in reserve in Frauenberg. The 2nd Battalion was to be committed the following morning with the mission of capturing Bliesmengen and Bliesbalchen.
This day’s casualties were the heaviest of any day since the Regiment started its Saar River operation.
View Tonice in the Bulge in a larger map
View Tonice in the Bulge in a larger map
This information is derived from the unit history, found here and here and from this unit overview. These markers are rough estimates and are meant only to be illustrative. Any errors are mine alone.
