An Example to the Enemy

As the 36th advanced into the Alsace Plain they were struck by a massive German counterattack by the German 198th Infantry Division. In the northeastern outskirts of Selestat the 1st Battalion of the 142nd Regiment faced attacks from the 736th …

1944-12-12

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As the 36th advanced into the Alsace Plain they were struck by a massive German counterattack by the German 198th Infantry Division. In the northeastern outskirts of Selestat the 1st Battalion of the 142nd Regiment faced attacks from the 736th Grenadier Regiment and attached self-propelled guns to capture a vital crossroads. The friendly unit to their left withdrew, exposing the 1st Battalion’s flank. The efforts of the 142nd Regiment in repelling the attack on Selestat prompted Heinrich Himmler to cite them as an example to the Germans who were preparing to defend Sigolsheim: “Resolute troops cannot be thrown out of a village when every house becomes a strongpoint. What the Americans could do in Selestat, I expect you and your men to do also.”

Selestat, France

The liberation of Strasbourg took place on 23 November 1944 during the Alsace campaign in the last months of the Second World War. After the liberation of Mulhouse on 21 November 1944 by theist Armored Division, General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque and the 2nd Armored Division entered Strasbourg after having liberated Sarrebourg and La Petite-Pierre, which cleared the way to the city of Strasbourg.

Wikipedia: Liberation of Strasbourg

German

American