Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Army WWII POW Battle Of The Bulge

By Carol Bennett


When it comes to World War Two, most people have read or studied Hitler and the Holocaust in Germany. What many are unaware of is that there were over 350 active GIs taken hostage and held prisoner over the course of the war. One of the most well known of these is an Army WWII POW Battle Of The Bulge.

During the battle for the Belgian city of Bastogone, Bob would endure combat, captivity and slave labor before being liberated from the POW camp at the end of the war. The young GI, while sustaining minimal injuries compared to a number of other soldiers, came home fifty pounds lighter than when first joining the armed forces. At which time, Bob began a public speaking career about experiences including time as a POW which occurred during the war, inspiring future soldiers yet unborn.

Bob's story begins in 1922 on the East Coast of the United States. For, the young lad was born in the city of Newark where most of the boy's childhood took place. The young lad was also active in field and track and football while living in nearby South Orange as a pre-teen and teenager.

When world war two came to America in 1945, Bob joined the army and became a GI placed in what was known as the Super Sixth Armored Division, under the direction and guidance of General Robert Grow. While under Grow's command, the division also fought under the direction of General Patton while stationed in Brittany, Normandy and Lorraine.

Upon the launch of the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, Bob's division was removed from an attack in Saar and directed 90 degrees north to fight in Bastogone. While the fourth armored division had liberated most of the city, there remained a great deal of fighting before the city could be secured. As a result, the 6th and 9th or Super Sixth divisions moved in to take over the fighting at the beginning of 1945.

It was not until several months later when Bob would be taken a prisoner of war by Nazi soldiers. The story of the capture is a long and varied one. Although, it is something the elder Bob Max will never forget. For, with a near escape, hooded soldiers with assault rifles, burning tanks and a shack in which American troops attempted to hide, there is no doubt any of those whom survived will ever do so.

Like so many others, Bob attempted to talk with the German soldiers. When the German asked, why the Americans were fighting in the war, Bob explained it had become an American war. Then, the German soldier reached into his pants for what Bob thought was a gun, only to pull out a wallet and share family pictures. After which, the German told Bob that the family would be living in New York City the following year.

Bob was amazed at the confidence displayed by the German. For, the soldier seemed more than confident that Hitler would be winning the war. At that moment, Bob began to see a change of attitude in the German. Then, without warning, the German informed Bob that the GI would be sent to a local camp. While still anxious, the GI felt a sudden sense of relief that there might be a chance to once again see the United States, even if only a slight one.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment