“Did you raise Battalion?” Asked Lt Jackson for the 4th time in as many minutes.

“Sir, I’m being asked to wait. From what my guy tells me its FUBAR all around. The Krauts are attacking all along the line sir. Sir..who will help us?”

“Tewks, I think we are on our own, I need to go see to the men. We cant let Jerry through here. Too many cross roads near by that would allow exploitation to the rear.”

“Sir, Does this mean we aint going home for Christmas?”

“Tewks, get Battalion on the line before I put a boot up your ass.”

“Yo Sarge, are the men set and do we have enough ammo?” Asked Jackson.

“Hell Son.. I mean sir we got ammo, turkey, and even some blankets.” Said Sergeant Rich. ” I could use more coffee for the boys and we are short on morphine, but we are on R&R right Lt?

Jackson, chuckled at Rich, so salty and understated…Yeah Sarge, we got it good. But word is the Krauts want to mess with your Turkey… So heads up and make sure your boys have extra sandbags filled ASAP. We aint getting help and we ain’t letting anyone past this spot. You hear me?”

“Roger that Lt.”

Oberleutnant Lang and Rolfe moved their men quietly towards the woods. Up ahead they knew the unpredictable yanks were waiting. The Americans had decided to hold the town, and the cross roads behind them. But Lang and Rolfe had agreed a plan with Hauptmann Sharpgzeit. They would pin the forces and sweep around the western side and then encircle the clueless Americans…if they didn’t do something stupid.

Lang and Rolfes men took less than 3 minutes to hit the edge of the woods and prepared to sneak towards the edge of the little village.

Rolfe’s men secured buildings looking for snipers, and approached the edge of the woods. His men were in high spirits, perhaps we can sue for peace if we threaten these brash American kids..

Jackson and his meanwhile were twitchy. The 99^th was a greenhorn division. His lads except the NCO’s were rookies. In particular his Regiment the 394^th that he was assigned to had a high level of recruits, but he was proud of them. Having transferred from the Bloody 1^st to boost the training he looked forward to fighting with his men, once they were ready….

“Sir…ahh… Battalion sent this.” Tewks handed a slip of paper. It read ‘Hold until relieved, major German push. We will direct V Corps your way, when possible. END.’

Well shit.. he said to no one in particular.

I guess you guys are ready then!

Just then a buck private beckoned Jackson to his position. ‘Sir, I hunt in the backwoods of Montana, I can see a fly on a deers ass at 100 yards. I see Germans in them there woods’

Jackson ” Good job Toppen. Go tell the MG team and point out the enemy. Suppressing fire. Lets try and flush them out.”

The men tuned in…. and started seeking targets. While revealing themselves, they had the advantage of being able to hopefully keep the krauts heads down. Figures fluttered through the woods, seemingly unconcerned by the 99th’s fire.