"We heard rumors about American POWs found dead in a place called Malmedy. They said that over 100 of our men were gunned down by the Germans and left to die in the snow.
Shortly after, I received orders that came down from the top to not take any more prisoners until further notice.
I got my men together, explained those orders and asked that if anyone had an issue, to just raise his hand. Understandably so, they all initially hesitated...and then a few rose their hands.
I then said: 'If you held your hand up, know that I'm not thinking less of you. I'm simply going to partner you up with the man who doesn't have an issue. When you come across a German who wants to surrender, you just tell your buddy right there and that'll be that.' And that's how we solved that problem." – Lt. assigned to 313th IR, 79th Inf. Div, Belgium, Jan. 1945
Before anyone starts booming, war is a dirty business and tough decisions have to be made. If you take anything out of this is simply what a solid unit leader looks like when put in a tough spot and able to find the best solution to a problem. Also, back then, times were different. #reality #ww2 #stayzero