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Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:01,096 --> 00:00:05,004 NARRATOR: January 1945. Eastern France. 2 00:00:05,013 --> 00:00:06,013 (yells in pain) 3 00:00:07,075 --> 00:00:11,046 When defiant Nazi forces threaten a newly captured position, 4 00:00:12,009 --> 00:00:14,088 an American soldier runs towards the onslaught 5 00:00:15,039 --> 00:00:19,010 to put himself between his unit and the attack. 6 00:00:25,010 --> 00:00:26,069 But when the enemy closes in... 7 00:00:28,073 --> 00:00:30,098 JOHN: The battle has gotten bad enough 8 00:00:31,007 --> 00:00:33,082 that he's going to call down artillery basically on his own position. 9 00:00:34,061 --> 00:00:36,016 NARRATOR: Will saving the battalion... 10 00:00:37,049 --> 00:00:38,083 cost him his life? 11 00:00:43,041 --> 00:00:45,092 On June 6th, 1944, 12 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:49,021 Allied forces finally land troops in Normandy 13 00:00:49,029 --> 00:00:51,017 to open the western front. 14 00:00:54,084 --> 00:00:56,080 (speaking German) 15 00:00:56,089 --> 00:00:59,005 NARRATOR: But Nazi fanatics and diehards 16 00:00:59,014 --> 00:01:01,072 continue to fight ruthlessly for survival. 17 00:01:05,094 --> 00:01:07,056 D-Day was a battle. 18 00:01:09,015 --> 00:01:12,003 The Allies still need to win the war. 19 00:01:24,037 --> 00:01:27,008 January 23rd, 1945. 20 00:01:28,008 --> 00:01:30,088 The Colmar Forest, eastern France. 21 00:01:33,021 --> 00:01:35,009 Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramsey 22 00:01:35,017 --> 00:01:38,022 leads Third Battalion of the American Seventh Infantry Regiment 23 00:01:38,030 --> 00:01:39,034 through the woods. 24 00:01:42,064 --> 00:01:45,064 By his side is First Lieutenant Garlin Conner, 25 00:01:45,073 --> 00:01:47,089 Ramsey's intelligence officer. 26 00:01:49,056 --> 00:01:52,023 The battalion spearheads an attack on German forces, 27 00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:54,078 launched the night before 28 00:01:54,086 --> 00:01:57,053 with a surprise crossing over the Fecht River. 29 00:01:59,011 --> 00:02:01,020 The fighting conditions are terrible. 30 00:02:01,091 --> 00:02:03,095 The winter of 1944 and '45 31 00:02:04,004 --> 00:02:06,012 was one of the coldest ever on record. 32 00:02:06,096 --> 00:02:08,067 There had been quite a bit of snow, 33 00:02:08,075 --> 00:02:12,050 which, uh, of course makes the environment that much more miserable for the soldiers. 34 00:02:18,009 --> 00:02:20,047 NARRATOR: Their advance proves relatively quick. 35 00:02:21,080 --> 00:02:22,076 MAN: Down! 36 00:02:23,068 --> 00:02:26,035 NARRATOR: Until they are hit with fire from a German tank 37 00:02:26,043 --> 00:02:27,098 on the southern edge of the forest. 38 00:02:29,085 --> 00:02:31,077 Shells explode all around, 39 00:02:32,048 --> 00:02:34,015 (gunfire) 40 00:02:37,007 --> 00:02:40,041 then the Germans open up with rifle and machine gun fire. 41 00:02:46,095 --> 00:02:49,041 With the battalion under pressure from its left front... 42 00:02:50,017 --> 00:02:53,075 Ramsey must hold their position against a determined enemy. 43 00:02:53,084 --> 00:02:55,092 (speaks indistinctly) 44 00:02:56,034 --> 00:02:59,080 NARRATOR: The Americans had crossed on foot bridges the night before, 45 00:03:00,088 --> 00:03:02,084 which could not support the weight of armor. 46 00:03:04,014 --> 00:03:07,064 Without tank support, Ramsey relies on American artillery 47 00:03:07,072 --> 00:03:09,056 positioned to their rear for back up. 48 00:03:17,098 --> 00:03:21,028 With detailed maps of the French countryside, soon, 49 00:03:21,074 --> 00:03:24,099 American shells begin to drop into the German positions. 50 00:03:35,004 --> 00:03:37,084 But Nazi soldiers will not just give up this place 51 00:03:37,092 --> 00:03:40,038 they believe is a part of Germany. 52 00:03:42,076 --> 00:03:45,030 Alsace had been a source of contention between 53 00:03:45,039 --> 00:03:46,072 Germany and France for centuries. 54 00:03:47,022 --> 00:03:50,010 The local population speaks a German language, 55 00:03:50,048 --> 00:03:54,031 but at various times in history Alsace has been under the French kings. 56 00:03:55,006 --> 00:03:58,032 In more recent times, after the Franco-Prussian war, 57 00:03:58,040 --> 00:04:00,019 Alsace went back to Germany. 58 00:04:01,049 --> 00:04:03,091 And then when World War I ended, 59 00:04:03,099 --> 00:04:05,082 Alsace went back to France. 60 00:04:07,024 --> 00:04:10,041 NARRATOR: Nazi forces occupied the region in 1940 61 00:04:10,050 --> 00:04:12,071 reclaiming it as German ethnic soil 62 00:04:13,075 --> 00:04:18,029 and some of its people as members of the new Reich, or empire. 63 00:04:19,046 --> 00:04:23,009 After D-Day, the Allies push hard to liberate France, 64 00:04:23,017 --> 00:04:25,013 and drive out Hitler's soldiers. 65 00:04:26,089 --> 00:04:28,026 In autumn 1944, 66 00:04:28,035 --> 00:04:32,056 Alsace is the last French part occupied by the Germans. 67 00:04:33,027 --> 00:04:37,094 And when the US and French forces push towards Strasbourg and seize it, 68 00:04:38,002 --> 00:04:39,036 Colmar to the south 69 00:04:39,044 --> 00:04:43,019 is the only part that is left over in German hands. 70 00:04:43,028 --> 00:04:45,095 A bridgehead to the west of the River Rhine. 71 00:04:48,041 --> 00:04:51,066 NARRATOR: The Germans now defend roughly 850 square miles 72 00:04:51,074 --> 00:04:53,033 around the city of Colmar. 73 00:04:54,096 --> 00:04:58,029 This stubbornly held region becomes known as the Colmar Pocket. 74 00:04:59,013 --> 00:05:02,063 The Allies had tried to, to overrun the Colmar Pocket 75 00:05:02,071 --> 00:05:04,038 in December 1944 76 00:05:04,076 --> 00:05:07,064 and fought several, very, very bloody battles 77 00:05:07,072 --> 00:05:09,093 and did not succeed in reducing the pocket. 78 00:05:11,060 --> 00:05:13,093 NARRATOR: After the Nazis launch two counter attacks 79 00:05:14,002 --> 00:05:15,069 from the area in January, 80 00:05:16,002 --> 00:05:20,032 Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower orders a full scale effort 81 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:22,057 to expel the Germans from Alsace. 82 00:05:24,003 --> 00:05:26,095 The operation will complete the liberation of France 83 00:05:27,028 --> 00:05:31,066 and set the stage for the Allied invasion of Germany from the west. 84 00:05:32,099 --> 00:05:35,025 The effort is led by the French first army 85 00:05:35,033 --> 00:05:37,017 plus several American divisions. 86 00:05:41,038 --> 00:05:43,017 Lieutenant Garlin Conner 87 00:05:43,025 --> 00:05:45,051 serves as part of Seventh Infantry Regiment, 88 00:05:45,084 --> 00:05:48,034 within the American Third Infantry Division. 89 00:05:48,076 --> 00:05:50,089 He has already earned three Silver Stars 90 00:05:50,097 --> 00:05:52,043 for valor in combat, 91 00:05:52,085 --> 00:05:55,006 to go along with three Purple Hearts. 92 00:05:56,073 --> 00:05:58,010 His most recent injury 93 00:05:58,019 --> 00:06:00,027 was a shot to the thigh while on patrol, 94 00:06:00,036 --> 00:06:01,086 just a few days before. 95 00:06:02,044 --> 00:06:05,032 Conner refuses to stay in a field hospital, 96 00:06:05,040 --> 00:06:07,061 and insists on rejoining his unit. 97 00:06:08,032 --> 00:06:10,049 JOHN: He's the kind of person who feels that 98 00:06:10,057 --> 00:06:14,070 if he leaves before the job is done that perhaps he's shirking. 99 00:06:15,020 --> 00:06:18,021 If I'm there, I'll save more lives 100 00:06:18,029 --> 00:06:19,033 and if I'm not there, 101 00:06:19,042 --> 00:06:21,079 I'll have to then live with the guilt of what might happen 102 00:06:21,088 --> 00:06:24,063 especially to my guys in the unit if something happens to them. 103 00:06:25,059 --> 00:06:29,009 NARRATOR: Conner has been with Third Infantry Division since 1942. 104 00:06:30,059 --> 00:06:33,081 STEVEN: The Third Infantry Division was one of the more experienced divisions 105 00:06:33,089 --> 00:06:36,027 and one that saw the most combat in World War II. 106 00:06:37,018 --> 00:06:38,085 NARRATOR: They had fought in North Africa, 107 00:06:38,094 --> 00:06:42,036 landed in Sicily and battled up the Italian boot. 108 00:06:43,011 --> 00:06:45,069 After action in Rome and Anzio, 109 00:06:45,078 --> 00:06:48,090 they land in occupied France in August 1944, 110 00:06:49,095 --> 00:06:52,024 and fight to Alsace from the south, 111 00:06:52,032 --> 00:06:54,028 rather than Normandy to the west. 112 00:06:55,087 --> 00:06:58,079 JOHN: If you were a guy who was in the invasion of North Africa 113 00:06:58,087 --> 00:07:02,075 and you were still with the unit as of Colmar two plus years later, 114 00:07:02,083 --> 00:07:04,092 you were a real fugitive from the law of averages. 115 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:06,013 MAN: Stay low! 116 00:07:07,013 --> 00:07:09,013 NARRATOR: Conner is now just a little more than 117 00:07:09,022 --> 00:07:10,055 ten miles from the Rhine River 118 00:07:11,034 --> 00:07:12,080 and the border with Germany. 119 00:07:22,002 --> 00:07:24,081 Finally, American artillery shells and mortar 120 00:07:24,090 --> 00:07:26,065 extract their toll from the enemy. 121 00:07:30,015 --> 00:07:32,011 Third battalion have cleared the strong points 122 00:07:32,020 --> 00:07:34,020 in their sector of the Colmar Forest. 123 00:07:34,057 --> 00:07:37,070 JOHN: These kind of bloody brawls of attack 124 00:07:37,079 --> 00:07:39,091 and counter attack and the Allied advance 125 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:43,062 kind of trying to move forward in very slow increments 126 00:07:43,071 --> 00:07:47,025 is really very, very common throughout much of the Colmar Pocket. 127 00:07:50,009 --> 00:07:52,030 NARRATOR: Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey orders his battalion 128 00:07:52,038 --> 00:07:54,051 to advance towards its next objective, 129 00:07:55,093 --> 00:07:59,018 another patch of forest called the Brunnwald Woods. 130 00:08:02,094 --> 00:08:03,094 He must hold here 131 00:08:04,002 --> 00:08:07,011 until the other two battalions arrive to cover his right flank. 132 00:08:07,098 --> 00:08:10,090 Then all three will capture the town of Houssen together. 133 00:08:22,041 --> 00:08:24,079 But they must ensure the woods are secure. 134 00:08:26,054 --> 00:08:28,063 As they make their way through the trees, 135 00:08:29,050 --> 00:08:31,096 Ramsey's men spot what looks like an bunker. 136 00:08:36,009 --> 00:08:39,010 It belongs to members of the German 64th corps, 137 00:08:39,018 --> 00:08:42,060 under the command of General Der Infanterie Helmut Thumm, 138 00:08:42,068 --> 00:08:44,006 which defends the pocket. 139 00:08:44,052 --> 00:08:46,052 PETER: Helmut Thumm is a general 140 00:08:46,060 --> 00:08:48,073 who sees things very realistic. 141 00:08:49,027 --> 00:08:52,090 He understands that the time of big offensives are over. 142 00:08:52,099 --> 00:08:56,045 The only thing he can do is hold the Colmar Pocket. 143 00:08:59,070 --> 00:09:01,008 NARRATOR: Along with the weather, 144 00:09:01,016 --> 00:09:03,096 Thumm's greatest advantage may be the terrain itself. 145 00:09:05,046 --> 00:09:08,096 It is very flat and criss-crossed with rivers and canals 146 00:09:10,050 --> 00:09:13,030 patches of forest provide the only sources of cover. 147 00:09:13,067 --> 00:09:16,009 (gunfire) 148 00:09:16,043 --> 00:09:19,005 Thumm's men have added to these. 149 00:09:19,014 --> 00:09:21,022 PETER: The Germans have had a lot of time 150 00:09:21,031 --> 00:09:22,060 to prepare for the defense. 151 00:09:22,068 --> 00:09:25,064 So every little town, every little village is a kind of hedgehog. 152 00:09:25,073 --> 00:09:28,052 So with barbed wire, minefields, 153 00:09:28,060 --> 00:09:29,065 and so forth. 154 00:09:32,061 --> 00:09:34,090 NARRATOR: The bunker is yet another fortification. 155 00:09:36,086 --> 00:09:37,095 MAN: Ramsey. 156 00:09:38,003 --> 00:09:39,062 NARRATOR: Ramsey's men are cold and tired. 157 00:09:39,070 --> 00:09:41,099 Ready to hunker down and wait for reinforcement, 158 00:09:43,041 --> 00:09:45,071 but they must assume it is occupied. 159 00:09:48,046 --> 00:09:50,059 NARRATOR: Ramsey sends a squad forward... 160 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:56,076 to see if anyone is home. 161 00:10:06,010 --> 00:10:08,089 NARRATOR: January 23rd, 1945. 162 00:10:09,069 --> 00:10:11,031 Eastern France. 163 00:10:14,078 --> 00:10:18,095 American and French forces attack and press towards the city of Colmar. 164 00:10:22,024 --> 00:10:25,079 American Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramsey sends a squad forward 165 00:10:25,087 --> 00:10:28,091 to investigate a dugout in the Brunnwald Woods. 166 00:10:31,063 --> 00:10:33,084 His men make their way to the bunker's entrance. 167 00:10:37,034 --> 00:10:40,009 Hearing nothing, they force their way in. 168 00:10:50,085 --> 00:10:52,002 (speaking German) 169 00:10:52,010 --> 00:10:54,061 (speaking German and laughing) 170 00:10:55,011 --> 00:10:57,003 - Hey, you! - (glass shatters) 171 00:10:57,044 --> 00:11:00,007 NARRATOR: The Americans surprise a group of German soldiers. 172 00:11:01,036 --> 00:11:03,012 Get up. Get up! 173 00:11:04,008 --> 00:11:05,033 NARRATOR: Who then surrender. 174 00:11:18,021 --> 00:11:20,093 Ramsey sets up his command post in the bunker 175 00:11:21,001 --> 00:11:23,055 to prepare for their attack on the town of Houssen 176 00:11:24,001 --> 00:11:27,014 when the other battalions of the Seventh Infantry Regiment arrive. 177 00:11:28,068 --> 00:11:30,043 They fight in Alsace, 178 00:11:30,052 --> 00:11:33,085 a region of eastern France, occupied by the Germans in 1940. 179 00:11:36,002 --> 00:11:40,028 STEVEN: De Gaulle desperately wants to liberate the last section 180 00:11:40,036 --> 00:11:41,099 of what they consider France. 181 00:11:42,007 --> 00:11:46,087 And likewise, the Germans who regard Alsace as German want to defend it. 182 00:11:54,013 --> 00:11:57,017 NARRATOR: German General Helmut Thumm soon receives word 183 00:11:57,025 --> 00:11:59,096 that Americans have captured the woods near Houssen. 184 00:12:01,042 --> 00:12:03,059 PETER: According to German military doctrine, 185 00:12:03,068 --> 00:12:04,093 if you lose a position, 186 00:12:05,030 --> 00:12:07,089 you have to counter attack immediately, 187 00:12:08,026 --> 00:12:11,056 in order to exploit the weaknesses of the enemy 188 00:12:11,064 --> 00:12:14,019 when he's still trying to consolidate. 189 00:12:14,027 --> 00:12:17,027 NARRATOR: When Thumm asks for reinforcements for the task, 190 00:12:17,036 --> 00:12:21,032 he learns he has been assigned battalions from the Second Mountain Division. 191 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:24,045 Second Mountain Division is a specialized infantry division 192 00:12:24,053 --> 00:12:26,045 fighting in cold weather conditions. 193 00:12:26,053 --> 00:12:28,041 Their soldiers hail from Austria 194 00:12:28,049 --> 00:12:30,083 and the division had been fighting in Norway. 195 00:12:31,041 --> 00:12:32,096 NARRATOR: The Second Mountain Division 196 00:12:33,004 --> 00:12:36,096 have held off British and Soviet forces in the Arctic since 1940. 197 00:12:38,013 --> 00:12:39,071 They have hard-won experience 198 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:43,042 in utilizing terrain and weather conditions to their advantage. 199 00:12:44,026 --> 00:12:48,035 They are now sent in to defend against an Allied winter offensive in France. 200 00:12:50,001 --> 00:12:52,006 PETER: Sending a specialized formation 201 00:12:52,014 --> 00:12:54,052 like Second Mountain Division to the Colmar Pocket 202 00:12:54,085 --> 00:12:59,036 shows that this area has got a high military priority. 203 00:13:01,007 --> 00:13:04,024 NARRATOR: Thumm knows he must force the Americans back at all costs. 204 00:13:04,086 --> 00:13:08,007 He plans to sneak a battalion of the German Mountain Division soldiers 205 00:13:08,016 --> 00:13:11,054 to within few hundred yards of Ramsey's position 206 00:13:11,062 --> 00:13:14,096 and launch a surprise counter attack to retake the woods. 207 00:13:18,029 --> 00:13:22,013 While unaware of the elite German forces being mobilized against him, 208 00:13:23,030 --> 00:13:26,030 Ramsey does expect a German counter attack 209 00:13:27,001 --> 00:13:30,051 and organizes defense of his exposed flanks. 210 00:13:32,018 --> 00:13:37,002 He sends companies to the west, south, and eastern edges of the woods. 211 00:13:39,073 --> 00:13:43,078 They dig into their defensive positions in the bitter cold and wait. 212 00:13:45,015 --> 00:13:48,070 The fighting for the Colmar Pocket was very heavily shaped by the weather. 213 00:13:49,016 --> 00:13:50,074 It was extremely cold. 214 00:13:51,012 --> 00:13:53,079 The rivers were freezing, which is unusual in that sector. 215 00:13:53,087 --> 00:13:55,083 It was a particularly stiff winter. 216 00:13:58,037 --> 00:13:59,058 NARRATOR: Meanwhile... 217 00:14:04,017 --> 00:14:06,042 Seventh Infantry Regiment's second battalion 218 00:14:06,051 --> 00:14:09,089 fight to advance to protect Ramsey's right flank. 219 00:14:10,093 --> 00:14:12,064 But the company's become separated. 220 00:14:13,031 --> 00:14:16,027 JOHN: Visibility's just really bad for the second battalion. 221 00:14:16,035 --> 00:14:19,077 Now add the fog to it, the fear. 222 00:14:19,085 --> 00:14:22,086 It's kind of a dark and brooding place at that point of the year. 223 00:14:24,048 --> 00:14:25,078 NARRATOR: In the confusion, 224 00:14:25,086 --> 00:14:28,074 German soldiers infiltrate the battalion's rear elements. 225 00:14:30,041 --> 00:14:31,037 MAN: Hey, you! 226 00:14:34,016 --> 00:14:37,037 NARRATOR: The Americans must flush out the intruders in their midst. 227 00:14:37,045 --> 00:14:38,041 MAN: Get him! 228 00:14:42,059 --> 00:14:43,079 NARRATOR: Some are captured. 229 00:14:44,030 --> 00:14:45,034 MAN: Drop it! 230 00:14:50,063 --> 00:14:54,010 NARRATOR: By afternoon, second battalion is clear to advance. 231 00:14:59,085 --> 00:15:01,006 Later that day, 232 00:15:01,044 --> 00:15:05,019 Private Robert Dutil, an intelligence aide in third battalion, 233 00:15:05,027 --> 00:15:08,003 approaches Ramsey and Lieutenant Garlin Conner 234 00:15:08,011 --> 00:15:09,053 with some fresh information. 235 00:15:10,074 --> 00:15:13,066 A POW taken prisoner by second battalion 236 00:15:13,074 --> 00:15:15,058 revealed that the Germans plan a counter attack 237 00:15:15,066 --> 00:15:19,071 on the Brunnwald Woods at 0630 the next morning. 238 00:15:21,096 --> 00:15:25,054 Ramsey radios for immediate artillery and armor reinforcement. 239 00:15:30,063 --> 00:15:33,014 Defensive preparations take on a new urgency. 240 00:15:35,097 --> 00:15:39,027 Soldiers dig in and camouflage their machine guns, 241 00:15:40,094 --> 00:15:42,044 but with the ground frozen, 242 00:15:42,081 --> 00:15:45,015 it proves difficult for all the men to entrench. 243 00:15:47,052 --> 00:15:49,057 As 0630 approaches, 244 00:15:49,065 --> 00:15:52,015 the riflemen are alert to any movement in the fields ahead. 245 00:15:53,070 --> 00:15:57,008 But visibility is poor in the pre-dawn darkness. 246 00:15:58,020 --> 00:16:00,050 The expected time of attack passes. 247 00:16:01,025 --> 00:16:03,000 JOHN: The typical mindset would be, 248 00:16:03,008 --> 00:16:05,008 oh, intelligence thinks 249 00:16:05,017 --> 00:16:07,084 that there's going to be an attack coming at 6:30 this morning. 250 00:16:07,092 --> 00:16:09,013 Man, I hope they're wrong. 251 00:16:10,005 --> 00:16:12,042 NARRATOR: After more than an hour of waiting, 252 00:16:12,051 --> 00:16:14,043 their vigilance wanes. 253 00:16:15,018 --> 00:16:17,081 JOHN: But if you had any experience as a rifleman 254 00:16:17,089 --> 00:16:21,048 by that point in time you would've known the Germans well enough to know 255 00:16:21,056 --> 00:16:23,035 they're not going to just give up this terrain easily. 256 00:16:24,031 --> 00:16:26,006 There's going to be another fight, 257 00:16:26,015 --> 00:16:27,056 and you better be ready for it. 258 00:16:28,044 --> 00:16:31,065 NARRATOR: The Nazi Mountain Division just now moves into position. 259 00:16:32,082 --> 00:16:34,061 They leave from the town of Houssen 260 00:16:34,070 --> 00:16:36,062 via a long irrigation ditch, 261 00:16:37,070 --> 00:16:40,041 and occupy a concealed position behind a dyke. 262 00:16:47,067 --> 00:16:49,071 Inside the American command post, 263 00:16:49,080 --> 00:16:51,071 Ramsey remains wary. 264 00:16:52,072 --> 00:16:55,009 He is sure the Germans are up to something 265 00:16:55,018 --> 00:16:57,059 and wants to send out some scouts to confirm, 266 00:16:58,072 --> 00:17:00,056 but none are available. 267 00:17:00,093 --> 00:17:02,093 Garlin Conner volunteers. 268 00:17:03,073 --> 00:17:08,006 Conner and Ramsey had fought together since January of 1944. 269 00:17:08,052 --> 00:17:10,048 When Ramsey had transferred in, 270 00:17:10,057 --> 00:17:12,074 wanting to serve in a combat unit 271 00:17:12,082 --> 00:17:16,003 after serving as an aide de camp to a British general. 272 00:17:16,078 --> 00:17:19,070 He witnessed Conner earn multiple battlefield honors, 273 00:17:19,078 --> 00:17:21,045 as well as numerous wounds. 274 00:17:22,012 --> 00:17:24,075 Knowing Conner qualifies to be sent home, 275 00:17:24,083 --> 00:17:26,079 Ramsey wants to keep him safe 276 00:17:26,087 --> 00:17:28,075 and ensure he makes it back alive. 277 00:17:29,033 --> 00:17:31,034 As Ramsey considers his options... 278 00:17:35,097 --> 00:17:37,047 (explosion) 279 00:17:40,055 --> 00:17:41,068 (explosion) 280 00:17:41,076 --> 00:17:43,039 ...mortar shells crash outside. 281 00:17:43,047 --> 00:17:44,060 MAN: Get ready. 282 00:17:45,010 --> 00:17:47,052 NARRATOR: Their battalion is under attack. 283 00:17:54,011 --> 00:17:56,074 January 24th, 1945. 284 00:17:56,082 --> 00:17:57,078 MAN: You, go! Go! 285 00:17:57,086 --> 00:17:59,003 NARRATOR: Eastern France. 286 00:17:59,087 --> 00:18:03,062 A battalion of the US Seventh Infantry Regiment surges ahead 287 00:18:04,016 --> 00:18:08,029 in an attack on the last German occupied territory in France-- 288 00:18:08,092 --> 00:18:10,025 The Colmar Pocket. 289 00:18:12,067 --> 00:18:14,084 Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramsey's men 290 00:18:14,092 --> 00:18:18,038 occupy a small patch of forest with exposed flanks. 291 00:18:20,059 --> 00:18:21,080 (explosion) 292 00:18:24,085 --> 00:18:27,056 And the enemy has just announced its presence 293 00:18:27,064 --> 00:18:31,015 with a round of mortar and artillery shells in the woods outside. 294 00:18:32,011 --> 00:18:34,036 (vehicle approaching) 295 00:18:36,007 --> 00:18:39,024 The men of K Company report a Mark Six Tiger Tank, 296 00:18:39,074 --> 00:18:42,087 one of the most potent of all German war weapons, 297 00:18:43,028 --> 00:18:44,095 emerging from some trees. 298 00:18:47,012 --> 00:18:51,017 9 feet high, 27 feet long and 12 feet across, 299 00:18:51,025 --> 00:18:53,054 the Allies have nothing like it. 300 00:18:53,063 --> 00:18:56,009 Some of its armor is four inches thick. 301 00:19:00,093 --> 00:19:02,080 But it is not a Tiger Tank. 302 00:19:04,060 --> 00:19:07,035 STEVEN: There were no Tiger Tanks in the Colmar Pocket. 303 00:19:07,043 --> 00:19:09,023 Even though there's many accounts from 304 00:19:09,031 --> 00:19:11,006 the American side and from the French side. 305 00:19:11,048 --> 00:19:15,036 NARRATOR: Enemy armor often creates fear and confusion in soldiers, 306 00:19:15,077 --> 00:19:18,011 making misidentification more likely. 307 00:19:18,074 --> 00:19:23,012 STEVEN: They never received any specific identification training, 308 00:19:23,078 --> 00:19:26,066 so to them a German tank whether it's a Panther 309 00:19:26,074 --> 00:19:28,091 or a Tiger or Panzer 4 or StuG III. 310 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:29,096 It's a Tiger. 311 00:19:31,075 --> 00:19:34,079 NARRATOR: It is probably a StuG III armored fighting vehicle, 312 00:19:35,017 --> 00:19:38,059 built on a Panzer tank chassis, the gun does not rotate. 313 00:19:38,096 --> 00:19:41,034 But still discharges a deadly salvo. 314 00:19:47,018 --> 00:19:50,010 NARRATOR: And rakes the American lines along the edge of the woods. 315 00:19:52,023 --> 00:19:53,090 As it fires, 316 00:19:54,073 --> 00:19:57,069 the German Mountain Division soldiers swarm over a dyke 317 00:19:57,077 --> 00:19:59,074 about 200 yards away, 318 00:20:00,049 --> 00:20:01,086 charging across the field 319 00:20:01,095 --> 00:20:03,057 towards the American infantry. 320 00:20:05,012 --> 00:20:08,033 Ramsey's companies unload on the advancing Germans 321 00:20:08,041 --> 00:20:10,033 with machine gun and rifle fire. 322 00:20:18,005 --> 00:20:19,080 Back at the battalion command post, 323 00:20:20,055 --> 00:20:23,026 as the mortar and artillery shatter the woods outside, 324 00:20:24,080 --> 00:20:27,076 Ramsey gets word that six of these Tiger Tanks 325 00:20:27,085 --> 00:20:30,010 along with an entire battalion of soldiers 326 00:20:30,018 --> 00:20:32,002 close in on his position. 327 00:20:34,090 --> 00:20:36,061 It is not a welcome development. 328 00:20:36,069 --> 00:20:38,073 It has to be dealt with somehow. 329 00:20:39,061 --> 00:20:43,007 You want to make sure that your battalion doesn't break and run, 330 00:20:43,015 --> 00:20:46,049 uh, that probably isn't going to happen in the, in the 7th infantry. 331 00:20:46,057 --> 00:20:48,066 But still, how do you fight back? 332 00:20:56,067 --> 00:21:00,055 NARRATOR: With his men facing a crisis, Conner approaches Ramsey 333 00:21:00,063 --> 00:21:03,026 with a plan to set up a forward artillery position 334 00:21:03,034 --> 00:21:06,039 between the American line and the oncoming enemy. 335 00:21:06,084 --> 00:21:08,047 If he can get out front, 336 00:21:08,055 --> 00:21:11,031 perhaps he can bring down the big American artillery pieces 337 00:21:11,039 --> 00:21:13,002 against the German attack. 338 00:21:15,019 --> 00:21:16,085 Ramsey hesitates. 339 00:21:17,056 --> 00:21:19,061 If there's anybody in whom you'd have confidence 340 00:21:19,069 --> 00:21:22,090 to go forward and do this kind of thing it's Conner, 341 00:21:22,099 --> 00:21:24,065 but there's another dynamic. 342 00:21:24,074 --> 00:21:27,091 One of the reasons why Ramsey has assigned him to a staff job 343 00:21:27,099 --> 00:21:30,012 is to keep him out of danger. 344 00:21:30,066 --> 00:21:33,029 NARRATOR: Ramsey struggles to find another option, 345 00:21:33,037 --> 00:21:34,091 but Conner insists. 346 00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:36,071 JOHN: You're kind of throwing him to the wolves, maybe, 347 00:21:36,079 --> 00:21:40,009 and knowing how he courts danger, 348 00:21:40,063 --> 00:21:43,071 there's a really good chance that he's not coming back from this. 349 00:21:43,080 --> 00:21:46,068 All that must've rushed through his mind in a hurry, I would think. 350 00:21:47,080 --> 00:21:50,060 NARRATOR: Without another word, Conner grabs a radio, 351 00:21:50,068 --> 00:21:53,006 a reel of wire and a sound power telephone 352 00:21:53,014 --> 00:21:54,093 and takes off into the woods. 353 00:21:55,064 --> 00:21:57,085 He has two ways to communicate. 354 00:21:58,081 --> 00:22:02,032 The main means of tactical communication in World War II 355 00:22:02,040 --> 00:22:03,053 was field telephones. 356 00:22:03,061 --> 00:22:05,074 Everyone thinks, oh, we have radios by now, 357 00:22:05,082 --> 00:22:07,049 why isn't everybody using radios? 358 00:22:07,057 --> 00:22:09,095 But the radios in World War II weren't very reliable, 359 00:22:10,053 --> 00:22:12,008 they didn't carry very far. 360 00:22:13,041 --> 00:22:15,025 NARRATOR: But to use field telephones 361 00:22:15,033 --> 00:22:17,012 a physical line must be laid 362 00:22:17,021 --> 00:22:20,008 sometimes for hundreds, or thousands of yards, 363 00:22:20,017 --> 00:22:21,084 without a break in the wire. 364 00:22:24,030 --> 00:22:27,009 Conner charges ahead, unspooling the line, 365 00:22:28,018 --> 00:22:31,064 Private Robert Dutil in pursuit to help, if he can. 366 00:22:35,018 --> 00:22:38,081 They dash through the forest towards the battalion's front line. 367 00:22:42,002 --> 00:22:44,048 German artillery explodes all around. 368 00:22:49,074 --> 00:22:52,020 Garlin Conner is on a mission. 369 00:22:59,071 --> 00:23:02,042 NARRATOR: January 24th, 1945. 370 00:23:04,021 --> 00:23:05,055 Eastern France. 371 00:23:06,017 --> 00:23:10,013 American Lieutenant, Garlin Conner races towards an enemy attack 372 00:23:10,022 --> 00:23:12,022 of incoming artillery and mortar fire. 373 00:23:16,068 --> 00:23:20,027 He is determined to set up a forward observation position. 374 00:23:20,085 --> 00:23:23,019 An intelligence aide follows close behind. 375 00:23:24,027 --> 00:23:27,023 It had to be so awkward, the dash to the front line. 376 00:23:27,032 --> 00:23:31,074 Radio strapped along and then stringing the telephone wire. 377 00:23:33,012 --> 00:23:35,087 You're weighted down with all this camo gear. 378 00:23:36,058 --> 00:23:41,016 You're moving the telephone line yourself, which isn't generally done, uh, 379 00:23:41,025 --> 00:23:44,008 by an officer, much less an intel officer. 380 00:23:49,059 --> 00:23:51,093 NARRATOR: As the enemy artillery hits the forest, 381 00:23:52,001 --> 00:23:54,026 some shells land within 25 yards. 382 00:23:56,022 --> 00:23:58,072 Debris from the tree bursts shower the soldiers. 383 00:24:00,077 --> 00:24:02,023 JOHN: It's a very single-minded thing. 384 00:24:05,002 --> 00:24:08,011 Because that's what's going to be needed to break up this enemy battalion's attack. 385 00:24:08,019 --> 00:24:09,015 Simple as that. 386 00:24:16,045 --> 00:24:19,058 NARRATOR: Conner pauses for a moment at the edge of the American line, 387 00:24:19,091 --> 00:24:22,066 surrounded by the riflemen protecting their position. 388 00:24:24,042 --> 00:24:27,000 Then breaks out about 30 yards beyond. 389 00:24:28,067 --> 00:24:29,075 MAN: Cover him! 390 00:24:39,097 --> 00:24:41,081 NARRATOR: And throws himself into a ditch. 391 00:24:42,073 --> 00:24:45,035 Private Robert Dutil is not far behind. 392 00:24:50,061 --> 00:24:53,020 JOHN: He doesn't have a lot of cover. 393 00:24:53,028 --> 00:24:57,016 It's a very shallow kind of ditch or indentation, 394 00:24:57,024 --> 00:25:01,012 which is by all accounts a foot and a half two feet, maybe. 395 00:25:02,004 --> 00:25:06,058 You'll often hear in the descriptions his cheeks, quote unquote, the butt cheeks, 396 00:25:06,067 --> 00:25:08,008 could've been exposed 397 00:25:09,013 --> 00:25:13,001 but also having to raise your head above in order to observe, 398 00:25:13,009 --> 00:25:16,009 just a really, really wild situation. 399 00:25:17,018 --> 00:25:20,022 NARRATOR: Conner gets the phone to his ear and calls Ramsey. 400 00:25:26,094 --> 00:25:29,002 JOHN: Communications are the whole key to this thing, 401 00:25:29,011 --> 00:25:30,082 beyond his own courage, 402 00:25:30,090 --> 00:25:33,015 uh, and the courage of the accompanying riflemen with him. 403 00:25:34,028 --> 00:25:38,041 To make sure that you can access the kind of firepower you need 404 00:25:38,049 --> 00:25:39,099 in order to destroy the enemy. 405 00:25:40,070 --> 00:25:44,000 NARRATOR: Conner calls in coordinates to target the attacking soldiers, 406 00:25:45,054 --> 00:25:48,092 which Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey relays to the artillery battery. 407 00:25:55,042 --> 00:25:56,088 Fire! 408 00:26:00,022 --> 00:26:02,026 NARRATOR: The shells shriek in overhead, 409 00:26:03,039 --> 00:26:06,048 and land amid the charging German Mountain Division soldiers. 410 00:26:09,010 --> 00:26:12,023 Conner stays focused and determines the next target-- 411 00:26:12,057 --> 00:26:15,011 A skirmish line about 100 yards ahead. 412 00:26:15,053 --> 00:26:18,082 He adjusts fire and calls in another barrage. 413 00:26:19,091 --> 00:26:22,028 The American artillery crew responds, 414 00:26:22,037 --> 00:26:25,012 firing off another round from their field artillery piece. 415 00:26:27,071 --> 00:26:32,004 The 105 millimeter Howitzer was one of the most important weapons 416 00:26:32,013 --> 00:26:33,030 in the American arsenal. 417 00:26:33,067 --> 00:26:35,076 With a range of up to 7 miles, 418 00:26:36,059 --> 00:26:40,055 each shell could create chaos within a 33 yard radius 419 00:26:40,064 --> 00:26:43,026 at a rate of two to four strikes per minute. 420 00:26:47,089 --> 00:26:51,090 Conner's coordinates direct the shell in the midst of the advancing Germans. 421 00:26:53,082 --> 00:26:56,057 But some of the Nazi Mountain Division soldiers 422 00:26:56,065 --> 00:26:58,040 continue towards Conner's position 423 00:26:58,049 --> 00:27:00,020 in front of the American line. 424 00:27:02,003 --> 00:27:05,058 He estimates the distance between the last shell and their advance... 425 00:27:08,079 --> 00:27:10,050 and calls in an adjustment. 426 00:27:16,017 --> 00:27:18,080 Conner hears the shell flying in over his head. 427 00:27:24,055 --> 00:27:25,085 He is spot on. 428 00:27:26,085 --> 00:27:30,002 JOHN: Conner's ability to act as a forward artillery observer 429 00:27:30,010 --> 00:27:32,015 is every bit on par with someone who's been trained 430 00:27:32,052 --> 00:27:34,002 and it's not an easy job. 431 00:27:34,011 --> 00:27:35,094 Mastering trigonometry 432 00:27:36,002 --> 00:27:39,032 and the properties of the projectiles and all this kind of stuff. 433 00:27:39,099 --> 00:27:43,016 But he has obviously picked that up under the school of combat. 434 00:27:48,091 --> 00:27:52,004 NARRATOR: Conner calls in another round to target the skirmish line. 435 00:28:04,039 --> 00:28:06,047 And the accurate shelling eventually sends 436 00:28:06,055 --> 00:28:08,077 the soldiers of the German Mountain Division 437 00:28:08,085 --> 00:28:10,052 back to the cover of the dyke. 438 00:28:12,023 --> 00:28:14,044 But the German tank still fires. 439 00:28:18,048 --> 00:28:22,036 An American tank destroyer commanded by Lieutenant Leonard Lebo 440 00:28:22,045 --> 00:28:25,087 arrives at the woodline to protect the American defenders. 441 00:28:27,028 --> 00:28:30,037 Lieutenant Lebo lines up his three inch gun, 442 00:28:30,045 --> 00:28:31,096 and with an accurate shot... 443 00:28:34,042 --> 00:28:36,029 takes out the troublesome tank. 444 00:28:37,075 --> 00:28:39,075 Conner remains in his ditch. 445 00:28:40,063 --> 00:28:43,013 A lot of people would've just sort of retired back 446 00:28:43,022 --> 00:28:46,018 to being the intel officer and gone back to the command post, 447 00:28:46,026 --> 00:28:47,055 we leave it at that. 448 00:28:47,064 --> 00:28:50,047 I think he understands, enough about, 449 00:28:50,056 --> 00:28:52,027 the pace and the nature of combat 450 00:28:52,035 --> 00:28:54,048 that the Germans probably aren't finished yet. 451 00:28:55,015 --> 00:28:57,027 NARRATOR: Conner eyes the field and beyond 452 00:28:57,036 --> 00:28:58,069 for any signs of movement. 453 00:28:59,061 --> 00:29:02,094 He spots more German armor hidden in the trees. 454 00:29:09,078 --> 00:29:13,025 Conner tells Ramsey he will be out of contact for a few minutes 455 00:29:15,017 --> 00:29:18,013 and takes off towards the American tank destroyer. 456 00:29:25,022 --> 00:29:28,039 Conner directs the volley of the tank destroyer's gun... 457 00:29:34,073 --> 00:29:36,098 and the hidden tank is eliminated. 458 00:29:39,065 --> 00:29:44,007 Then Conner dives back into his ditch under heavy fire. 459 00:29:46,061 --> 00:29:49,012 The Germans ready themselves behind the dyke. 460 00:29:51,016 --> 00:29:54,016 Another wave of counter attack is about to begin. 461 00:29:57,087 --> 00:30:00,096 NARRATOR: January 24th, 1945. 462 00:30:01,038 --> 00:30:02,075 Eastern France. 463 00:30:04,096 --> 00:30:07,093 American troops of the Seventh Infantry Regiment 464 00:30:08,026 --> 00:30:10,051 fight to clear the Colmar Pocket-- 465 00:30:10,060 --> 00:30:13,026 The last German-occupied territory in France. 466 00:30:16,002 --> 00:30:19,023 STEVEN" The military reason that it's important is 467 00:30:19,031 --> 00:30:21,040 Eisenhower and the Allied high command 468 00:30:21,048 --> 00:30:25,053 want to push across the Rhine sometime in early 1945. 469 00:30:25,061 --> 00:30:27,040 And in order to do it in southern France 470 00:30:27,049 --> 00:30:29,066 they need to capture the Colmar Pocket. 471 00:30:31,020 --> 00:30:34,020 NARRATOR: American Lieutenant Garlin Conner occupies a ditch 472 00:30:34,029 --> 00:30:36,029 in front of his men's forest position. 473 00:30:41,025 --> 00:30:43,084 Operating as a forward artillery observer, 474 00:30:48,026 --> 00:30:50,093 Conner has successfully turned back the first attacks 475 00:30:51,001 --> 00:30:53,022 by German Mountain Division soldiers. 476 00:31:10,066 --> 00:31:13,091 Rather than retreat to the relative safety of the command post, 477 00:31:13,099 --> 00:31:16,008 Conner remains on high alert. 478 00:31:17,025 --> 00:31:19,050 JOHN: Lieutenant Conner has decided to stay put 479 00:31:19,058 --> 00:31:22,046 because it's apparent to him that he's probably still needed there. 480 00:31:22,054 --> 00:31:23,075 The battle isn't over. 481 00:31:23,084 --> 00:31:24,079 (gun cocking) 482 00:31:25,021 --> 00:31:29,009 NARRATOR: The Germans regroup and prepare for a second wave of attacks. 483 00:31:41,069 --> 00:31:44,048 Conner himself, might be one of their targets. 484 00:31:48,023 --> 00:31:50,053 As the Germans rush toward the American line, 485 00:31:50,061 --> 00:31:54,028 a soldier with a grenade appears to break for Conner's position. 486 00:31:55,062 --> 00:31:58,070 JOHN: Conner just continues to call in more very witheringly 487 00:31:58,079 --> 00:32:01,016 accurate artillery fire and that's the job. 488 00:32:01,025 --> 00:32:02,037 That's why he's there. 489 00:32:03,088 --> 00:32:05,029 NARRATOR: A shell shrieks overhead... 490 00:32:08,088 --> 00:32:11,059 taking out some of the rear elements of the German attack. 491 00:32:13,080 --> 00:32:15,072 Conner quickly calls in another, 492 00:32:17,022 --> 00:32:18,081 and hits his target again. 493 00:32:20,068 --> 00:32:22,094 But the determined Mountain Division soldier 494 00:32:23,002 --> 00:32:24,031 continues his dash, 495 00:32:25,031 --> 00:32:27,040 and closes in on Conner's ditch. 496 00:32:33,028 --> 00:32:34,045 JOHN: The grenade carrying German 497 00:32:34,053 --> 00:32:35,074 seems to be in a position 498 00:32:35,082 --> 00:32:37,066 to throw the grenade at Conner's position. 499 00:32:38,041 --> 00:32:41,012 At the same time though he's been spotted by American riflemen, 500 00:32:41,020 --> 00:32:42,091 we don't know who, shoots him. 501 00:32:47,004 --> 00:32:50,005 And kills him before he can throw the grenade at Conner. 502 00:32:54,084 --> 00:32:58,055 NARRATOR: Unfazed, Conner calls in another fire mission. 503 00:33:00,056 --> 00:33:03,052 JOHN: He's got this kind of single-minded purpose 504 00:33:03,060 --> 00:33:04,069 and tunnel vision 505 00:33:05,027 --> 00:33:07,040 of staying right in that spot, 506 00:33:07,048 --> 00:33:10,023 which is apparently a very good observation spot 507 00:33:10,032 --> 00:33:11,057 and calling in the artillery 508 00:33:11,065 --> 00:33:14,045 and also, quite significantly his communications hold out. 509 00:33:17,082 --> 00:33:21,045 NARRATOR: Conner's fire adjustments continue to take out the Germans, 510 00:33:21,079 --> 00:33:24,058 and send others back towards the cover of the dyke, 511 00:33:25,046 --> 00:33:28,008 while his men hold their positions at the woodline. 512 00:33:35,005 --> 00:33:37,030 The field is silent for a few minutes, 513 00:33:37,039 --> 00:33:41,026 and Conner watches closely for evidence of a retreat. 514 00:33:43,047 --> 00:33:47,060 But instead, he sees another huge wave break over the dyke. 515 00:33:53,044 --> 00:33:55,057 Conner calls in shell after shell, 516 00:33:55,065 --> 00:33:58,087 adjusting on the fly as the surge advances. 517 00:33:58,095 --> 00:34:00,028 MAN: Fire! 518 00:34:03,070 --> 00:34:06,000 NARRATOR: But the number of German Mountain Division soldiers 519 00:34:06,008 --> 00:34:07,033 is too great. 520 00:34:07,079 --> 00:34:09,025 He cannot target them all... 521 00:34:14,001 --> 00:34:15,063 they are getting too close. 522 00:34:19,039 --> 00:34:22,093 The Germans begin to move in to what had been the American lines 523 00:34:23,001 --> 00:34:25,052 and to threaten that entire position of Third Battalion. 524 00:34:26,006 --> 00:34:28,035 NARRATOR: Conner must make a difficult decision. 525 00:34:29,065 --> 00:34:31,052 The Germans are so close, 526 00:34:31,061 --> 00:34:35,032 that the only solution is to target the edge of the American line. 527 00:34:36,011 --> 00:34:38,020 JOHN: The battle has gotten bad enough 528 00:34:38,028 --> 00:34:41,028 that he's going to call down artillery basically on his own position. 529 00:34:44,024 --> 00:34:47,041 It's very possible, you're going to get killed by your own shells. 530 00:34:52,067 --> 00:34:55,013 So, you're really choosing, self-sacrifice... 531 00:34:56,001 --> 00:34:57,030 to destroy the enemy attack. 532 00:35:09,023 --> 00:35:11,040 NARRATOR: His commanding officer is concerned. 533 00:35:11,073 --> 00:35:13,065 When Ramsey asks Conner 534 00:35:13,073 --> 00:35:16,032 if he is bringing in the fire too close to his own position... 535 00:35:19,015 --> 00:35:20,091 Conner is matter of fact. 536 00:35:21,091 --> 00:35:24,099 JOHN: He says it's fine. I'm calling it where it needs to be. 537 00:35:25,008 --> 00:35:27,033 Kind of understated. (laughing) 538 00:35:27,041 --> 00:35:28,062 He really is. 539 00:35:31,025 --> 00:35:34,004 NARRATOR: As shells continue to explode all around him... 540 00:35:34,013 --> 00:35:35,013 MAN: Get down! 541 00:35:38,055 --> 00:35:40,072 NARRATOR: Conner's intelligence aide is hit. 542 00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:42,009 (gunfire) 543 00:35:42,018 --> 00:35:43,043 Private Robert Dutil, 544 00:35:43,051 --> 00:35:46,001 who had followed Conner from the battalion command post 545 00:35:46,010 --> 00:35:47,027 earlier that day, 546 00:35:47,035 --> 00:35:49,060 is severely wounded by the friendly fire. 547 00:35:52,031 --> 00:35:54,048 But the German onslaught falters. 548 00:35:58,032 --> 00:35:59,086 After three hours, 549 00:35:59,094 --> 00:36:03,024 the attack of the elite Nazi Mountain Division finally breaks. 550 00:36:06,053 --> 00:36:07,087 MAN: Medic! 551 00:36:08,091 --> 00:36:11,033 NARRATOR: Medics tend to the wounds of Private Dutil. 552 00:36:15,021 --> 00:36:18,017 Incredibly, Garlin Conner is unhurt. 553 00:36:19,059 --> 00:36:23,009 JOHN: Garlin Conner's actions are extraordinary. 554 00:36:24,093 --> 00:36:26,089 It's just remarkable, 555 00:36:26,097 --> 00:36:28,076 in so many ways and yet, 556 00:36:28,085 --> 00:36:31,035 maybe they wouldn't have seemed like it at the time. 557 00:36:32,085 --> 00:36:34,006 Calling in artillery, 558 00:36:34,015 --> 00:36:36,023 doing his thing throughout the whole crisis, 559 00:36:36,031 --> 00:36:38,032 many hours long at this battle. 560 00:36:38,090 --> 00:36:41,090 From our vantage point all these decades later, 561 00:36:41,099 --> 00:36:43,099 it is just an extraordinary moment. 562 00:36:51,079 --> 00:36:54,033 NARRATOR: January 24th, 1945. 563 00:36:55,033 --> 00:36:58,009 The Alsace region, eastern France. 564 00:36:59,055 --> 00:37:01,063 American Lieutenant Garlin Conner 565 00:37:01,071 --> 00:37:04,038 climbs out of a ditch at the edge of a field 566 00:37:04,047 --> 00:37:08,047 strewn with the aftermath of a brutal, bloody battle. 567 00:37:09,006 --> 00:37:11,089 Conner's calm courage and accurate calls 568 00:37:11,097 --> 00:37:16,015 has turned back an attack by a battalion from an elite German Mountain Division. 569 00:37:17,090 --> 00:37:21,082 The precise artillery fire kills some 50 German soldiers 570 00:37:22,024 --> 00:37:24,007 and wounds about 100 more. 571 00:37:25,049 --> 00:37:27,037 But the fight at Brunnwald Woods 572 00:37:27,045 --> 00:37:30,003 is just one battle for the Colmar Pocket. 573 00:37:30,074 --> 00:37:33,058 It is the last remaining region of France, 574 00:37:33,066 --> 00:37:35,050 occupied by Nazi Germany. 575 00:37:39,021 --> 00:37:41,092 The next day Conner's commanding officer, 576 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,034 Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramsey advances 577 00:37:44,042 --> 00:37:46,018 and encounters a German patrol. 578 00:37:53,052 --> 00:37:54,073 (speaks indistinctly) 579 00:37:56,069 --> 00:38:00,023 In the fighting, a German soldier lobs a potato masher, 580 00:38:00,031 --> 00:38:02,019 a type of percussive grenade. 581 00:38:02,057 --> 00:38:06,095 With quick reflexes, Ramsey snatches it and throws it back. 582 00:38:10,024 --> 00:38:11,087 He is wounded by a second. 583 00:38:12,020 --> 00:38:16,000 It explodes, sending razor sharp tin slivers outwards, 584 00:38:16,008 --> 00:38:17,087 to slash the Lieutenant Colonel. 585 00:38:28,001 --> 00:38:31,097 The Germans are killed in the skirmish, and Ramsey needs medical care. 586 00:38:34,002 --> 00:38:36,089 He walks back to the battalion aid station. 587 00:38:39,085 --> 00:38:43,015 The surgeon there removes the shrapnel without anesthetic... 588 00:38:48,090 --> 00:38:51,078 and Ramsey walks back to the observation post. 589 00:38:56,066 --> 00:38:59,062 But the war for the Colmar Pocket continues. 590 00:39:00,058 --> 00:39:03,013 The men of Seventh Infantry Regiment, 591 00:39:03,021 --> 00:39:06,017 including Garlin Conner remain in American lines 592 00:39:06,026 --> 00:39:08,059 to drive the Germans back across the Rhine. 593 00:39:10,089 --> 00:39:12,055 In the early days of February, 594 00:39:12,064 --> 00:39:17,002 Conner volunteers to take command of L Company when its C.O. is killed. 595 00:39:17,064 --> 00:39:20,060 The rifle companies have absorbed terrible causalities 596 00:39:20,069 --> 00:39:22,036 and it tends to be among the leaders 597 00:39:22,094 --> 00:39:28,032 and so you need somebody to step in and lead this sort of ad hoc unit. 598 00:39:29,045 --> 00:39:33,024 NARRATOR: Third battalion attempts to liberate the French village of Biesheim. 599 00:39:34,053 --> 00:39:36,079 Where K Company has been cut off, 600 00:39:36,087 --> 00:39:40,029 encircled by Nazi forces in a section of German trenches. 601 00:39:40,037 --> 00:39:41,079 MAN: Keep firing! 602 00:39:46,080 --> 00:39:50,017 NARRATOR: With 20 men and backed by two Sherman tanks, 603 00:39:50,026 --> 00:39:52,030 Conner and the remainder of L Company 604 00:39:52,039 --> 00:39:53,059 enter the trenches... 605 00:39:57,001 --> 00:39:59,073 and proceed to advance by hand to hand fighting. 606 00:39:59,081 --> 00:40:02,056 (indistinct chatter) 607 00:40:02,065 --> 00:40:04,036 (groaning) 608 00:40:05,040 --> 00:40:09,028 JOHN: That means with whatever weapons or implements we happen to have, 609 00:40:09,069 --> 00:40:14,045 this isn't the sort of combat, that the Americans like to think about. 610 00:40:15,091 --> 00:40:19,066 Once again, here we have Conner right in the middle of this. 611 00:40:21,021 --> 00:40:22,021 MAN: Hey! 612 00:40:23,017 --> 00:40:26,054 JOHN: We've just seen him use heavy firepower, heavy technology, 613 00:40:26,063 --> 00:40:28,038 in a way to bring about victory. 614 00:40:28,092 --> 00:40:32,047 Now we seem him in a little bit different context of right there, 615 00:40:32,055 --> 00:40:36,060 at this worst level of combat, fighting and maybe dying. 616 00:40:38,089 --> 00:40:40,056 NARRATOR: They relieve K Company. 617 00:40:42,010 --> 00:40:45,015 JOHN: They kill 12 Germans, but 75 others surrender. 618 00:40:45,023 --> 00:40:46,065 That tells us something, doesn't it? 619 00:40:46,073 --> 00:40:48,036 It tells us those other 75 620 00:40:48,044 --> 00:40:51,015 have looked at what's happened and they're like, I'm done with this. 621 00:40:51,024 --> 00:40:53,007 You can have this town. 622 00:40:53,015 --> 00:40:55,066 That's the kind of the fighting that it's been. 623 00:40:56,095 --> 00:40:59,012 This is what goes on just on that day 624 00:40:59,020 --> 00:41:01,033 in that little corner of the Colmar Pocket battle. 625 00:41:06,096 --> 00:41:09,038 NARRATOR: Conner earns a fourth Silver Star 626 00:41:09,046 --> 00:41:11,055 for his heroic leadership at Biesheim. 627 00:41:15,072 --> 00:41:17,093 The American Third Infantry Division 628 00:41:18,001 --> 00:41:21,043 finishes its longest stretch of combat February 19th, 629 00:41:21,052 --> 00:41:24,014 having fought since they landed in southern France 630 00:41:24,023 --> 00:41:26,023 on August 15th the year before. 631 00:41:29,027 --> 00:41:32,007 As for Lieutenant Conner's actions at Brunnwald, 632 00:41:33,099 --> 00:41:35,053 Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey 633 00:41:35,061 --> 00:41:38,003 intends to request the highest award possible 634 00:41:38,012 --> 00:41:39,091 for an American army soldier. 635 00:41:41,058 --> 00:41:46,017 But Ramsey is still on active duty, while recovering from wounds of his own. 636 00:41:46,092 --> 00:41:49,021 He cannot track down the witness accounts 637 00:41:49,029 --> 00:41:50,088 required for the Medal of Honor. 638 00:41:52,076 --> 00:41:56,055 Instead, he recommends Conner for the second highest award-- 639 00:41:56,063 --> 00:41:58,068 the Distinguished Service Cross. 640 00:41:59,035 --> 00:42:03,089 On February 10th, Garlin Conner receives the D.S.C. 641 00:42:03,097 --> 00:42:07,077 from General Alexander Patch, Commander of the Seventh Army. 642 00:42:08,044 --> 00:42:11,011 Conner finally leaves Europe on March 4th, 643 00:42:11,073 --> 00:42:15,053 returning home to Aaron, Kentucky to a hero's welcome. 644 00:42:16,086 --> 00:42:19,041 JOHN: Then he goes back to just being a farmer. 645 00:42:19,049 --> 00:42:22,028 A farmer in Kentucky, and that's his life. 646 00:42:23,054 --> 00:42:26,000 He was pretty deeply affected, as you might expect. 647 00:42:26,000 --> 00:42:30,050 I don't know that the war was ever too far away from his mind. 648 00:42:31,038 --> 00:42:33,088 NARRATOR: After his death in 1998, 649 00:42:33,096 --> 00:42:36,022 the quest to get Garlin Conner the Medal of Honor 650 00:42:36,030 --> 00:42:38,018 was taken up by supporters. 651 00:42:38,072 --> 00:42:41,072 Witness accounts of the dramatic events were found 652 00:42:41,080 --> 00:42:44,064 and after decades of delays and technicalities, 653 00:42:44,072 --> 00:42:47,056 Conner finally receives the posthumous award 654 00:42:47,064 --> 00:42:50,056 on June 26th, 2018, at the White House. 655 00:42:52,040 --> 00:42:54,015 It makes Garlin Conner 656 00:42:54,023 --> 00:42:58,020 possibly the second most decorated American soldier of World War II, 657 00:42:58,057 --> 00:43:02,003 but his proud commanding officer did not live to see it either. 658 00:43:04,037 --> 00:43:07,075 JOHN: Ramsey had a long career, led many combat soldiers, 659 00:43:07,083 --> 00:43:09,079 from World War II through Vietnam. 660 00:43:09,087 --> 00:43:12,008 Uh, he had Colin Powell under his command, 661 00:43:12,017 --> 00:43:15,005 he had Norman Schwarzkopf under his command. 662 00:43:15,013 --> 00:43:17,097 He'd seen and he'd done a lot of valorous things. 663 00:43:18,005 --> 00:43:20,093 And he felt that Garlin Conner had no peer. 664 00:43:21,001 --> 00:43:23,047 That there was no one who exceeded him, 665 00:43:23,055 --> 00:43:26,010 in terms of bravery, dedication to duty. 666 00:43:26,018 --> 00:43:29,035 He saw Garlin Conner as being really in the first rank 667 00:43:29,044 --> 00:43:31,065 among all the combat soldiers he had led. 668 00:43:34,011 --> 00:43:36,073 NARRATOR: On February 8th, 1945, 669 00:43:37,015 --> 00:43:40,045 Nazi forces finally conceded the Colmar Pocket. 670 00:43:41,003 --> 00:43:43,020 PETER: When the battle for the Colmar Pocket is over, 671 00:43:43,028 --> 00:43:46,016 19th army is virtually wiped out. 672 00:43:46,024 --> 00:43:49,012 And the Germans withdrew over the River Rhine. 673 00:43:49,046 --> 00:43:51,046 The Rhine is now the new front line. 674 00:43:51,054 --> 00:43:52,079 (explosion) 675 00:43:52,088 --> 00:43:55,046 NARRATOR: With Allied forces lined up for hundreds of miles 676 00:43:55,054 --> 00:43:58,005 along the west wall, or Siegfried Line, 677 00:43:58,084 --> 00:44:01,068 the stage is set for a desperate showdown 678 00:44:02,034 --> 00:44:06,047 and the war in Europe will continue for three more months. 679 00:44:06,056 --> 00:44:08,043 - ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, - Captioned by Visual Data 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