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9 December 1944

“These soldiers of the 357th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, were fighting the enemy last night across the Saar River near Dillingen. They have just received word that they are part of 64 US soldiers who will be granted a thirty day furlough at home plus 2 months travel time.”
All have received the Purple Heart and numerous other decorations for outstanding acts of courage. L to R, (sitting)…T/Sgt. Thomas L. Chamberlain, Kansas City, Mo.; S/Sgt. Merle A. Welfare, Ledyard, Ia.; Sgt. Joseph Dorner, New England, N.D.; and L to R (Standing)…S/Sgt. Ed Melton, Haskell, Tex.; Pvt. James Jirles, Aphens, Tenn.; S/Sgt. Albert J. Apple, Bottom, Tex.; S/Sgt. Victor E. Wold, Friday Harbor, Wn.; and T/Sgt. Albert E. Lambright, Amarillo, Texas. (A).

“The defenses of the 1st and 2nd Battalions 357th Infantry were severely tested by a series of
attacks which continued without abatement from morning to night. All were repulsed with extravagant
losses to the enemy. Battalions reported that these Germans were fanatical, that they advanced in close
formation through terrific artillery fire until their ranks were decimated. Never, they said, had they seen
so many dead as littered the battlefield by the end of the day. I and L Companies were likewise struck by
an infantry-tank assault; they too held their ground. Although the regiment had yielded not an inch, the
constant pressure was beginning to make itself felt on the fatigued, exposed, casualty ridden ranks of the
infantry and plans were made to withdraw the 1st the 2nd Battalions slightly so that the regimental front
might be firm and supply line shortened.” 8 Dec 1944
(90th Infantry Division Action Report)

(ETO HQ-44 28968 9 Dec. Credit…U.S. Army Signal Corps. Photog…Pfc. W.J. Rothenberger…166.)

(Colourised by Doug)

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