Bloody Burgberg WTO (id:#67196)

(ASL Journal #16 ID: WC01)   [next]   [previous]

Hill 400, Hürtgen Forest, Germany 1944-12-06 (13 others)

Overview:

The heights of the Burgberg ("Castle Hill") loomed over the battle for the Hurtgen Forest, already one of the bloodiest engagements the Americans had experienced since landing in Normandy. German possession of the hill threatened the right flank of the U.S. 8th Infantry Division, advancing toward the Roer River. Called "Hill 400" by the Americans, the Burgberg dominated the town of Bergstein, where U.S. infantry and armor were concentrating in preparation for their next bound forward. Securing the Burgberg was essential for flank security. The Germans had constructed extensive bunker systems on the hill as part of the formidable West Wall. German grenadier regiment staff, including elements of Infanterie-Division 89 and Volksgrenadier-Division 272, were temporarily stationed there. On 6 December, elements of the 2nd Ranger Battalion were assigned to take the hill.

Defender: German (272nd Volksgrenadier-Division and 59. Infanterie-Division)  

Errata (source)