The German offensive of Dec 16th was so overwhelming that it put entire American front line units into full retreat.
One tank destroyer that was headed for the rear spotted a lone soldier trying to chip a foxhole out of the frozen earth. Armed with bazooka and rifle, unshaven and filthy, he went about his business with a stoic nonchalance. They pulled up to him and stopped. He didn't seem to care about the line of refugees streaming past him.
"Hey, Buddy!", the TD driver called out, "Are you crazy? The Krauts have broken out! We're being over-run!"
The soldier stopped digging and leaned on his entrenching tool.
"You lookin' for a safe place?", he asked.
"Hell, yes!", snorted the TD driver.
"Well, Mac," drawled the soldier. "just pull your vehicle in behind my foxhole. I'm the 82nd Airborne, and this is as far as the bastards are going."
***
I dedicate this post to all combat veterans of Christmases past.
