The Battle of the Bulge

25 January 2018

My father shipped out in the last 6 weeks of the war, just in time to see active combat in the ferocious Battle of the Bulge. Similarly to most veterans, he never talked about it much --- and if asked, he might offer a one-word or one-sentence reply.

He saw a lot of death and injuries, lost two of his best friends, fought in foxholes, did reconnaissance behind German lines, and led his platoon over at least one minefield. He came out of it a Captain, and didn't return home for two years. He supervised German POWs in Antwerp for most of that period, and also began his lifelong career as a part-time teacher, eventually specializing in history, political science and law (he wrote a textbook along the way).

One thing he never mentioned was the snow in Belgium. Obviously no one had heard of global warming at the time these photos were taken. I'm sure if I could ask him now, it would still be another very brief answer. But I'd like to know about the snow.
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