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

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BATTLE AT CHAMPS<br />

2S DECEMBER<br />

I PHASE 21<br />

SCALI IN ,AlIOS<br />

CHRISTMAS EVE<br />

Map 21<br />

163<br />

warned Colonel Chappuis, commander <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 502d Parachute<br />

Infantry, in time for him to make his last-minute preparation.<br />

Companies Band C, 502d, were even <strong>the</strong>n in column <strong>of</strong> twos<br />

moving up <strong>the</strong> road toward Champs.82<br />

Thus far Colonel Templeton's 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion<br />

had played only a minor part in <strong>the</strong> defense <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sector, hut <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

best moments were approaching. Two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tank destroyers had<br />

been <strong>of</strong> some assistance to Captain Swanson (Company A, 502d)<br />

in his fight for Champs. <strong>The</strong>y were already in position <strong>the</strong>re<br />

when <strong>the</strong> German attack got under way, one destroyer in <strong>the</strong><br />

center <strong>of</strong> Champs and ano<strong>the</strong>r slightly to <strong>the</strong> west <strong>of</strong> it so placed<br />

that it could cover <strong>the</strong> road to <strong>the</strong> southwest and <strong>the</strong> ridge to <strong>the</strong>

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