[Continued from previous page] North and 1ST army is pushing South. We are trying to meet to cut off German salient.1The projection of German forces into American territory. The projection of German forces into American territory. We are really in the thick of it. Have never seen so much artillery and aircraft. I don’t see how the Germans stand up under it. I hit the sack at 2000, and slept like I was dead for almost 2 hrs. then.
Sunday, 31 December [1944] Near Neufchateau, Belgium
Terrific Artillery Barrage all night and planes roaring over head constantly. How in the hell can a guy sleep. We are closing the gap on the Germans in a steady advance. The Jerries are catching hell. It is very cold. The ground is covered with snow. Not much news. We’re getting rugged as hell. Place is full of mines and our G2 on enemy location not too good. Our guards are on the ball and they have a round in their chambers all the time.
Monday, 1 January 1945 Near Neufchateau, Belgium
2nd Platoon moved up with F.A., 347th relieved 345th C.T. 1st platoon now protecting 345th in rest. Still constant artillery fire, sky covered with our planes 24 hours a day. Unbelievable. This is really war. God help those Germans now. Won’t be long before we meet the 1st army and that will mean the end of the German Salient. Still cold and more snow has fallen.
Tuesday, 2 January [1945] Near Neufchateau, Belgium
Moved up to Bougnimont this morning. Men all quartered in Buildings. Impossible to keep track of line, much too fluid. We have stopped advancing and are digging in to repel an expected [continued on next page]
