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

by Frank Van Lunteren

The account of these elite paratroopers’ encounter with the Germans is “a story of raw courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds . . . a great read” (World War II).   In December 1944, an enormous German army group crashed through the thin American line in the Ardennes forest. Caught by surprise, the Allies were initially only able to throw two divisions of paratroopers to buttress the collapse—the 82nd Airborne, which was rushed to the area of St. Vith, and the 101st, which was trucked to Bastogne.   After their successful campaign in Holland, Col. Reuben Tucker’s elite 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was resting and refitting in France when news came of the German breakthrough. Most dangerous to the Allies was the German spearhead of the 1st SS Panzer Division led by Jochen Peiper, which aimed to sever the Allied front. The 504th was committed to block the SS advance, and within forty-eight hours of their arrival, Col. Tucker’s paratroopers were attacking the SS-Panzergrenadiers of Peiper’s battlegroup, eventually forcing them to withdraw.   More ferocious fighting ensued as follow-up German units forced a US retreat from St. Vith. In adverse weather conditions against the German 9th SS Panzer and 3rd Fallschirmjäger Divisions, the 504th lived up to its regimental Strike and Hold. Although some rifle companies were whittled down to less than fifty paratroopers, the Americans doggedly fought on until victory was achieved.   This work provides a fascinating, up-close view of the 504th PIR during the Battle of the Bulge, as well as its gallant sacrifice. Using never-before-published diaries, letters, battle reports, and interviews with over a hundred veterans, a comprehensive account is painted of a triumphant US regiment in one of the fiercest-fought campaigns in the history of the US Army.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2015

Reviews

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title of the book already betrays this book is about the US para's fighting against the German SS 'elite' panzer forces in the Ardennes. This time it is not about Bastogne, but about several other battles that were decisive in stopping the German attack in the St. Vith area.

The author has interviewed many of the units' surviving veterans over the years, which gives the whole thing a really personal touch. So many recollections of moments of misery, fear, terror and bloodshed. Since the unit, nor the Allies, did expect that anything would be happening soon, the sudden German attack meant that the men were unprepared and often underequipped. Improvisation was the key, and this is what they did. One thing that could be something to get into first, is that the many recollections make following the overall story difficult at times.
Now I am not sure if it is present only in my edition of the book, but the maps are placed in the wrong chapters. The map of a chapter is placed in the next chapter. Annoying since the maps help the reader to better understand what is happening.

The way of writing by Frank really 'takes you there' and the use of after action reports and different points of view of the participants is a good way to show how battles on this scale developed.

Another great read but, like in the first title, the editing could have been tighter.

[Joan Clemente · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

It took me a long time to read this book. Perhaps I was just burned out. I've read so many true accounts of WWII lately that I guess this was just overload. Also, I'm not familiar with military abbreviations and would get confused by them - PIR, GIR....? I'm not familiar with military equipment, so was often uncertain what was being referred to. Too technical for me.

[Steve Dedier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book provides excellent detail on the individual actions throughout the campaign. The authors devotion to naming every individual trooper involved in the actions makes it a difficult read. It's difficult to strike a balance between these two things.

[John E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping

This factual account of war and hellish conditions during the final days of the war in Europe validates use of the moniker “The Greatest Generation.”

[Philippe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great on personal details, not very coherent when describing the battle. This is definitely at the company / platoon level.

[W. Douglas Schellig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for the paratroupers

It's easy to forget their sacrifices. This book reminds use of our debt to them. God bless America. I'll never forget them.

[Craig Strachan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A long list of facts with no narrative holding it together.