By Kevin M. Hymel
What was it like to come to grips with the enemy, to fight and survive combat? For each men, the experience was different; for many, it was almost impossible to relate to those behind the lines or an ocean away. In an effort to better understand the human condition in combat, the U.S. Army asked a few soldiers who had just experienced their baptisms by fire against the Germans to offer a few words about their ordeal.
On March 3, 1944, several soldiers of the 69th Infantry Division, who had just dueled with the Germans on the Siegfried Line, were asked to explain what they thought of their first time under fire. Their answers were varied and insightful; but despite their best efforts, these men could not completely convey the essence of the combat experience to those who had not been there.
—Private Raymond L. Roth
—S.Sgt Alexander Walegir
—Private Fred I. Green
—Pfc. Robert M. Sokoloff
—S.Sgt Aloysius Ruthoviski
—Pfc. Willey E. Thompson
—Private Harold R. Sprang
—Private James B. Gray
—Private Charles D. Doriocourt
—Pfc. Earl W. Higgins
