Thirteen/WNET New York WLIW 21
New York War Stories : Your Memories. Your Words.

Untitled

Submitted by: Horace Osterman

Army 10/43 to 11/45

On December 19, 1944 I was captured in the Battle of the Bulge after being behind the enemy lines for 3 days and trying to get back to our lines. We traveled at night and slept in the woods during the day (the weather was freezing). The morning of the 19th it was very foggy & we decided to travel. The fog lifted & we went for some weeds. It turned out a Panzer Div. 40 was near us & they discovered us. I was relieved not to be shot.

On April 12, 1945 the germans had told us President Roosevelt had died we thought it was propaganda. (We were on a forced march from 2/14/45 Gorlitz Germany to get away from the Russians so we wouldn't be freed. An American jeep with two soldiers pulled into the village we were in. The guards surrounded & we were freed.

Other details available if desired.
P.S. I was also in other battles including the Herrtgen Forest (?)

H. Osterman
WA- 110th Street 1st. Regiment - 28th Division

PS. Other true memory stories available from one POW Group if desired. We meet every Tuesday at the VA 23rd Street & First Avenue from 1-2 PM . Call me and I'll give you information to set up an appt.