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DECEMBER 20, 1944

BATTLE OF THE BULGE, DAY 5

At this point, the reserve forces (the 82nd and the 101st and the headquarters of the XVIII Airborne) are in sector and in their fighting positions. For the first time ever, the XVIII Airborne Corps is operating in combat.
2 of 10:

On this day 76 years ago, the 82nd Airborne establishes a defense against the 6th SS Panzer Army in the small Belgian town of Werbemont. This was the northern shoulder of the German bulge.
3 of 10:

It was freezing cold in Werbemont, as temperatures dropped to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Light snow covered most of the ground.
4 of 10:

Meanwhile, the 82nd's sister Airborne division, the 101st, is now assigned to the VIII Corps. The Screaming Eagles are deployed to a crossroads town named Bastogne, trying to push back the southern shoulder of the German Bulge against the 5th Panzer Army.
5 of 10:

So, the XVIII Airborne Corps starts the day with the 82nd Airborne as its only unit. But, General Ridgway was looking for units to pick up (remember, back then a corps was a loosely organized HQ that picked up units as needed).
6 of 10:

By this morning (December 20, 1944), the 30th Infantry Division and the 3rd Armored Division are under the XVIII Airborne Corps. [this is the 30th Infantry Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia]
7 of 10:

With these three divisions, Ridgway can spread out his forces from the extreme east of the northern shoulder to the west to tie in with other elements of the 1st Army. [check out this cool map we made to help you visualize the friendly / enemy set]
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But let's be clear: the biggest problem the Germans have along the northern shoulder on December 20, 1944 isn't the American airborne. It isn't Ridgway. It isn't the tank destroyers or the engineers or the artillery. It isn't the Americans at all. It was the traffic.
9 of 10:

Damaged, narrow, iced-over roads caused hours of delay. German tanks were basically parked behind German tanks.

The counteroffensive ground to a halt.
END:

The reserve 2nd and 9th SS Panzer Division joined the fight, however, they were of no use; they just joined the line on the clogged up roads leading to the front.

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More from @18airbornecorps

Aug 26, 2022
FORT BRAGG BARRACKS UPDATE STATEMENT:

We can confirm that 120 Soldiers have left the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks, and we are working hard to move ALL Soldiers out of those barracks by the end of September. 1/4 Image
In addition to the relocation efforts, 70 certificates of non-availability (CNAs) have been approved allowing recipients to find privatizing housing on or off the installation. Additionally, hundreds more have been pre-approved and being staffed for final approval. 2/4
Commands affected by these moves on Smoke Bomb Hill include units under the 1st Special Forces Command - Airborne and XVIII Airborne Corps units including the 20th Engineer Brigade and 35th Signal Brigade among other units/organizations across the installation. 3/4
Read 4 tweets
Aug 26, 2022
Leaders across the 18th Airborne Corps & Ft. Bragg are hosting a media round table today to provide updates on the status of the Smoke Bomb Hill barracks (a thread)
@WRAL @SpecNews1RDU @ArmyTimes @starsandstripes @fayobserver @ABC11_WTVD @TaskandPurpose @Rose_Lori @StevenBeynon Image
@18abc_Dragon9 “Our Soldiers deserve the best resources — that are clean, safe, secure, and functional.”
Fort Bragg Garrison Commander: “120 Soldiers have been moved as of today.”
Read 5 tweets
Aug 25, 2022
Our Soldiers are speaking to us about the conditions at the Smoke Bomb Hill Barracks. It’s authentic and real feedback we need. We are listening and taking action!

Communication flow is every changing, and we are working to improve it. Our Soldiers deserve it. 🧵
We want all of our Soldiers to know we are working hard to make their quality of life better!

We have leaders across Fort Bragg already working to make their lives better, and we have resources committed to make this happen.
Moving 1,110 Soldiers won’t be quick, it will take time, but it will be done right. Our goal is to have everyone out of the SBH barracks by the end of September.
Read 4 tweets
Jun 6, 2022
A FAMILY LEGACY

Here is the full & incredible story of legacy & service as Capt. Bill Malcolm comes to Normandy to pay homage to his late Grandfather.

@USArmy Capt. Malcolm is w/ “Able” Company, 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, @82ndABNDiv
(1/3)
His grandfather Cpl. Bob Malcolm jumped into Normandy as a member of “Able” Company during #DDay 78 years ago on June 6, 1944.

Not only did Bill follow his grandfather’s footsteps, he actually commands the very unit his grandfather served in during #WWII (2/3)
Listen as Bill Malcolm talks about his family’s legacy of service (3/3)
#service #dday78 #dday #AATW
Read 4 tweets
Apr 8, 2022
The 2022 LTG(R) David Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition just started!

Here’s who to look out for throughout the competition!

1/13 ImageImage
Team 3 out of the @3rd_Infantry

Jeffery Dannemiller & Daniel Frasch

2/13 Image
Team 9 out of the @10MTNDIV

Jeremy Ronzo and Patrick Cosgrove

3/13 Image
Read 13 tweets
Feb 18, 2022
1/4 - We are saddened to share that we have lost another hero.

Dan McBride was a Sergeant who served in F Company, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment during WWII.

He parachuted into Normandy, parachuted into Operation Market Garden, and fought during the Battle of the Bulge.
2/4 - Less than a year ago, Dan visited the @101stAASLTDIV for the Week of the Eagles.

Throughout his last visit to @FortCampbell , Dan generously shared his story to inspire another generation of Screaming Eagles.
3/4 - Dan also joined Eagle 6 on the Division Parade Field to inspect his beloved Division one last time.
Read 4 tweets

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