Bastogne: The Story of the First Eight Days - US Army Center Of ...

WEST OF BASTOGNE 149
they guessed that these men had been patients when the hospital
was overrun. A number of American trucks were recovered,
some containing medical supplies, one carrying a load of mail and
another loaded with explosives.
On finding an American light tank among the enemy booty,
Company B incorporated it into their defenses along with several
caliber .50 machine guns from the recaptured trucks. The noise
of the skirmish had drawn an artillery observer from the 333d
Field Artillery Group and he attached himself to Company Band
stood ready to deliver supporting fire from the 155mm. howitzers
when it would be needed.
At 0700 on December 21 an enemy column was seen approaching
from the direction of Salle. The men at the roadblock guessed
it was an artillery battery for it contained hine half-tracks, seven
75mm. guns and seven light vehicles. Captain McDonald's men
were in a cut above the highway and their position was so well
screened that the German column came to within 25 yards before
the defenders opened fire. Then they let them have it with
all weapons-their rifles, machine guns, a 57mm. gun and the
guns of the light tank. Only one light vehicle from the column
managed to tum and get away. All of the enemy guns were captured
intact but they could not be moved to town and they were
therefore destroyed with the aid of the recaptured explosives.
Shortly thereafter, two tanks supported by a group of German
infantry tried to flank the position from the northwest. Company
B crippled one tank with a rocket and the other tank withdrew.
The infantry group was driven back by small-arms fire from Company
B's position, supported by artillery fire.
At noon the roadbla