All Souls Day: The World War II Battle and the Search for a Lost U.S. Battalion

The U.S. Army attacked three villages near the German-Belgium border, surprising the Germans who surrendered with little resistance. A brief but horrific battle ensued, and the Americans retreated in haste, leaving behind their wounded and their dead. The battle has been confined to officer training school due to its heavy losses and ignominy. After the war, the U.S. Army returned to the battlefield to bring home its fallen, but many of these men had vanished. The authors reconstruct a story of love and sacrifice, honor and bravery, and a portrait of the gnawing pain of families not knowing what became of their loved ones.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc

The U.S. Army launched a surprise attack on three villages near the German-Belgium border, catching the Germans off guard and leading to their swift surrender. However, the German army quickly regrouped and launched a counterattack, resulting in a brief but intense battle. As the enemy advanced, the Americans were forced to retreat hastily, leaving behind their wounded and fallen comrades. This week-long conflict, which began on All Souls Day, November 2, 1944, has been largely confined to officer training schools due to its heavy losses and ignominious outcome. After the war, the U.S. Army returned to the battlefield to bring home its fallen soldiers, but to its dismay, many of these men had vanished. The disappearances were puzzling and remained a mystery for decades, with the U.S. government conducting extensive searches without success. Through meticulous analysis of now-declassified battlefield reports and interviews with family members, the authors have pieced together a captivating story of love, sacrifice, honor, and bravery, as well as a poignant portrayal of the anguish experienced by families who were left in the dark about the fate of their loved ones. Ultimately, this work of history and in-depth contemporary journalism sheds light on the ongoing search for answers and provides a glimpse into the human cost of war.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640125643