Here it is almost Christmas. I
had my Christmas last night. We
went into town and brought out some
children to a Christmas party. They were
from four years to ten. There was
about 200 of them. They really had a
grand time. We had present for all
of them. This was all made up by
the chaplain. We all donated cookies
and candy from our PX rations. I
think this is the first time a lot of
those children have ever had a ride.
I know it has been the first time
since they have been away from
the town for sometime. Even though
I can't be there with you this Christmas
I know I have helped make Christmas
a happy one for some children. I
sure would like to see all of my
little nephew and nieces
and hold them. Some of these
children wanted to talk to us, but it
was no use, we just couldn't under
stand french. Some of them could speak
a few words of English. They sang all
the way out here and all the way
back into town again.
Our war news doesn't sound so
good at present. Maybe it won't last to
long. I think it is almost a last final
push for the Germans. I hope that is
all that it is.
I have received a few more Christmas
packages. One from Lenore and one from
her folks. I was surprised to get one
from her folks. I still haven't received
any from Cliffs. Maybe that has been
lost. I hope not.
Our weather here is still cold
and wet. It has frozen as yet and
no snow. It doesn't seem
possible that Christmas
is just three days away.
I guess there is no seasons at all
anymore. I will be damn glad when
this war is over. I really don't know
why so many have to suffer just
on account of a few. I guess the
just have to suffer with the unjust.
I want to get home just as well as
any other person. But I guess I can't
complain. There are lots of fellows
going through worst things than we have
gone through. I guess it is just the
idea of being away from hone so long.
Well I guess this is about all for
now. Please don't get discourage if
I don't write as much as I use to.
Goodnight for now.
Love Ralph.
The next letter will be posted on Dec. 25th.
Background Information (and comments):
- The war news that "doesn't sound so good at present" was probably the infamous Battle of the Bulge which took place on Dec. 16th. Here is an article from the History website:
World War II
1944
Battle of the Bulge
On this day, the Germans launch the last major offensive of the war, Operation Mist, also known as the Ardennes Offensive and the Battle of the Bulge, an attempt to push the Allied front line west from northern France to northwestern Belgium. The Battle of the Bulge, so-called because the Germans created a “bulge” around the area of the Ardennes forest in pushing through the American defensive line, was the largest fought on the Western front.
The Germans threw 250,000 soldiers into the initial assault, 14 German infantry divisions guarded by five panzer divisions-against a mere 80,000 Americans. Their assault came in early morning at the weakest part of the Allied line, an 80-mile poorly protected stretch of hilly, woody forest (the Allies simply believed the Ardennes too difficult to traverse, and therefore an unlikely location for a German offensive). Between the vulnerability of the thin, isolated American units and the thick fog that prevented Allied air cover from discovering German movement, the Germans were able to push the Americans into retreat.
One particularly effective German trick was the use of English-speaking German commandos who infiltrated American lines and, using captured U.S. uniforms, trucks, and jeeps, impersonated U.S. military and sabotaged communications. The ploy caused widespread chaos and suspicion among the American troops as to the identity of fellow soldiers–even after the ruse was discovered. Even General Omar Bradley himself had to prove his identity three times–by answering questions about football and Betty Grable–before being allowed to pass a sentry point.
The battle raged for three weeks, resulting in a massive loss of American and civilian life. Nazi atrocities abounded, including the murder of 72 American soldiers by SS soldiers in the Ardennes town of Malmedy. Historian Stephen Ambrose estimated that by war’s end, “Of the 600,000 GIs involved, almost 20,000 were killed, another 20,000 were captured, and 40,000 were wounded.” The United States also suffered its second-largest surrender of troops of the war: More than 7,500 members of the 106th Infantry Division capitulated at one time at Schnee Eifel. The devastating ferocity of the conflict also made desertion an issue for the American troops; General Eisenhower was forced to make an example of Private Eddie Slovik, the first American executed for desertion since the Civil War.
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