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101ST AIRBORNE BATTLE OF BASTOGNE NARRATIVE REPORTS

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101ST AIRBORNE BATTLE OF BASTOGNE NARRATIVE REPORTS
101ST AIRBORNE BATTLE OF BASTOGNE NARRATIVE REPORTS
Two very rare original war-date narrative reports issued from the headquarters of the 101st Airborne describing the regiment's activities during December, 1944 and January, 1945. Both reports are printed and were originally marked "SECRET", but bear later reclassification to "Restricted" which change was done by hand probably towards war's end. The December, 1944 report, 6pp. 4to., is dated Mar. 16, 1945. It describes the rapid deployment of the force to Bastogne which soon saw "attacks from all sides". All pertinent details of the regiment's stubborn defense are described, including desperate runs for additional stores of ammunition, the surrounding of the town, air re-supply, repulse of armor and infantry attacks from the east, the cutting of wire communications, McAuliffe's reply of "Nuts" to the demand for surrender, heavy aerial bombardment, the desperate situation concerning food and adequate clothing, the shortening of lines, reliefe by elements of the 4th Armored, and continued air and ground attacks. The January, 1945 report, 6pp. 4to., prepared Mar. 24, 1945 is also present. It shows the regiment still in Bastogne, understrength but slowly recovering. Task Force Higgins repulses strong tank and infantry attacks at Monoville and Champs, with the 501 also participating. Noville and Bois Jacques are finally retaken, as is Bourcy. On Jan. 17, the 101st is placed in reserve and finally offered rest well back from the front lines. These are original, period reports issued on or very close to the date of preparation. Very good condition, but a bit brittle and should be treated with care.