“90th Pulls a Fast One: … ‘Patton’s Punch’”(Part 1).

This weather brings to mind a certain winter engagement from World War II. Then while going through some old papers, there it was–a Sunday supplement to the 90th Infantry Division publication, “Sniper,” dated January 28, 1945. The piece was titled, “90th Pulls a Fast One: Story of How ‘Patton’s Punch’ Baffled the Germans.” Enjoy.

“With the Ninetieth Division, Somewhere in France …

“With the Bastogne Bulge deflated and nearly depressed to the Siegfried Line, the story of Lt. General George S. Patton’s ‘Blackout Punch’ can now be told.

“Swinging the bulk of his Third Army from attacking positions in the Siegfried Line to the critical southern flank of the Nazi spearhead into Luxembourg, Patton slammed a holding force into the German pressure and prepared the stage for the smash that was destined to liquidate the Bastogne salient.

“Under the cover of darkness and during a raging blizzard, the 90th Division, experienced trap closers of Falaise and Metz, was sneaked from positions along the Saar to a point east of Bastogne.

“All Division identification was camouflaged on the vehicles. The famous ‘T-O’ (Texas-Oklahoma) insignia worn on all the helmets and garments of the personnel  of the fighting 90th, was covered with tape or erased from view. On 9 January, like mysterious marauders bent on destruction, Patton’s blackout Division lay poised, and ready to strike, in the white quilted hills of the rugged Ardennes.

“On 9 January, Major William DePuy, commanding the 1st Battalion, 357th Infantry, received orders to attack and occupy the town of Berle. Other American units, having been in contact with the enemy in this locality, looked on the attack with skepticism, for they had been trying, without success, to take this objective for sometime. After spending the night out in the woods in sub-zero weather, the Battalion jumped off to take the town this day. The Battalion was led by Major Depuy through thick woods that were thinly held by the enemy to the jump-off position. ‘A’ Company, led by Capt. George Spaeth, was to make the main effort supported by fire power from ‘C’ Company plus a task force of tanks and tank destroyers led by Capt. Arnold W. Thompson and one platoon of ‘B’ Company led by Lt. Rusk to attack the town from the southeast. Under the aggressive leadership of Captain Spaeth, and due to the excellent coordination of the supporting units and weapons, the town was occupied two hours later. One hundred and twenty two (122) prisoners were taken. The enemy left many dead in the field.”

To Be Continued …