Welcome to Stories from the 28th Division Archives. I am Dr. Walter Zapotoczny. While working as the 28th Division Command Historian, I discovered stories in the archives that were not in the history books. In this episode, we are going to take a look at the 28th Division in the Colmar Pocket during WWII.
In the frigid depths of January 22, 1945, amidst the rugged terrain of the snow-blanketed Vosges Mountains in France, the 28th Division embarked on a mission destined for the historical archives. Their objective was crystal clear: secure the northwestern perimeter of the German pocket near Colmar, amidst the backdrop of a war-torn landscape where every step was fraught with peril.
Led by Colonel James Rudder, a veteran of the renowned 2nd Ranger Battalion, the division faced not only the enemy's relentless fire but also the biting sting of frost and treacherous minefields hidden beneath the snow.
With General Cota's succinct directive of "We go to Colmar," Captain Bruce Paul led his company into the darkness, poised at the forefront of the assault. Against the formidable fortress of Colmar, held tight in the grip of German occupation, the 109th Regiment, trained akin to Army Rangers, moved with lightning speed, catching the enemy off guard. In a whirlwind of action, they stormed through vineyards, overran enemy positions, and breached the city's defenses before the break of dawn.
Street by street, they fought with unyielding resolve, joined by the French Armored Division, as they reclaimed Colmar inch by hard-won inch. Yet, victory came at a cost as heroes fell amidst the chaos of battle.
Meanwhile, Colonel Gustin M. Nelson led the 112th Infantry Regiment along the division's right flank, pressing forward through fierce resistance from Niedermorschwihr to Turckheim. Their progress, though hindered by relentless enemy fire, remained undeterred as they liberated town after town from the clutches of oppression.
The 110th Infantry Regiment, under the command of Colonel Daniel Strickler, mirrored the valor of their comrades, driving the Germans back from Herrlisheim to Biltzheim. Yet, amidst the triumph, moments of sorrow punctuated their journey, none more poignant than the bravery of Lieutenant Thomas Ferguson, who threw himself on a land mine to protect his buddies and was killed instantly.
The Allied forces emerged victorious, standing as a beacon of freedom amidst the ruins of war-torn Europe. On February 9th, as the echoes of battle faded into history, the Colmar Pocket fell silent, its liberation a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the 28th Division soldiers who fought to free it from tyranny.
If you like these stories, visit our website for more stories that were not in the history books and please consider becoming a veteran or associate member of the 28th Division Association. Your tax-deductible membership will help us support the men and women of the division and help us to tell their stories.
Until next time, Roll On.