The Lost Battalion

[Unkotare]

A battalion of Texas fighting men caught in a real jam were ultimately rescued by their fellow Americans, but at a high price.

Rescue of the Lost Battalion | Densho Encyclopedia

 

[Stasha_Sz]

If I am remembering my unit histories correctly, the 442 RCT was THE most decorated unit in the ETO, and deservedly so. As alluded to in the link, they also suffered one of the highest casualty rates while doing so.

A bunch of years ago, I met one of the survivors of the "Lost Battalion", 1/141/36, at Camp Mabry in Austin. He himself, mentioned that the unit he was part of generally did not even know where they were at most days, and did not realize they were cut off until they sent runners back for more ammo & rations. Neither returned. Then word came down that they were cut off and make each shot count.

The survivor, wish I could remember his name, said he had "never been so happy to see a Jap face" as he was when they were relieved.