While in Palenberg, the 102nd was preparing for its first big fight, to cross the Roer River. The Germans had fought hard to stay on the west side but were finally driven away and the Division now had to plan to cross the river. It was not an easy task for the wintertime. Before we could cross, the Germans blew up the dams several miles to the north doubling the width of the river, which made it extra difficult for the engineers to build bridges. Many lives were lost in the water. Sometime later, Odie wrote in a letter that an article in Liberty magazine had stated that the 102nd was the first division of all American forces to get all units across the river. When the crossing was completed we learned that our battalion had processed more wounded than any other medical unit in Europe to date. As a result, the battalion was awarded a special patch to be worn on the lower left sleeve. I must admit that I never did see such a commendation worn by any member of any unit but ours during our stay in Europe. I guess we did a good job!
B~ Palenberg, Übach-Palenberg, Deutschland
C~ Malmedy, Walloon Region, Belgium
D~ Maastricht, The Netherlands
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