Blocking Kampfgruppe Pieper: The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the Battle of the Bulge

The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, led by Colonel Reuben Tucker, was committed to block the German 1st SS Panzer Division's advance in the Battle of the Bulge. Despite adverse weather conditions and fierce fighting, the 504th held their ground and eventually forced the Germans to withdraw. The regiment's sacrifice is explored through letters to the next-of-kin and interviews with veterans, providing a comprehensive account of the regiment's triumph in one of the fiercest campaigns in U.S. Army history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

In December 1944, a massive German army group broke through the American lines in the Ardenne forest, catching the Allies off guard. Initially, they could only deploy two divisions of paratroopers to reinforce the collapse, the 82nd Airborne and the 101st, which were rushed to St. Vith and Bastogne, respectively. After their successful campaign in Holland, Colonel Reuben Tucker's elite 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was resting and refitting in France when news of the German breakthrough reached them. The 504th was tasked with blocking the SS advance, and within 48 hours of their arrival, Colonel Tucker's paratroopers were attacking the SS-Panzergrenadiers of Peiper's battlegroup, eventually forcing them to withdraw. More fierce fighting ensued as follow-up German units forced a U.S. retreat from St. Vith. Despite adverse weather conditions against the German 9th SS Panzer and 3rd Fallschirmjäger Divisions, the 504th lived up to its regimental motto, "Strike and Hold." Although some rifle companies were reduced to less than 50 paratroopers, the Americans fought on until victory was achieved. Moving quotations of letters to the next-of-kin provide insight into the impact of their deaths both on the battlefield and the home front. In this work, Van Lunteren provides a fascinating, close-in view of the 504th P.I.R. during the Battle of the Bulge and its gallant sacrifice. Using never before published diaries, letters, battle reports, and interviews with over 100 veterans, a comprehensive account is painted of a triumphant U.S. regiment in one of the fiercest fought campaigns in the history of the U.S. Army.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636241289