Paper chains and grenade pins...

[82Rigger]

December 11, 1944

SHAEF Headquarters - France

Captain Stanley Newcombe wonders if that cute British "Leftenant" working in the next office will go to the Christmas dance with him.

Two intelligence officers are musing over the whereabouts of two German units...The 1st
SS Panzer Division and the 12th SS Panzer Division dropped off the boards ten days ago, with no reports on them since.
Most likely on their way back into Germany for refitting.

Colonel Robert Wills is reading the days situation reports.

It's been a very routine day. Little enemy activity along the entire front.




December 11, 1944 - Belgian-Luxemboug frontier, Schnee Eiffel sector

The 106th ID and the 28th ID are dug in with not much to do.

Several NCOs in the mess tent are decorating a small tree. Not much around in the way of ornaments, so they settle for homemade paper chains attached with grenade pins.

Sergeant Carroll Peters from Duluth is explaining to a buddy from Georgia how cold it gets in Minnesota.

Private George Meyers is opening a "care package" from home.
Among its contents...three cans of Spam.

Private David Hickman is indoctrinating a new replacement:
"When you have to pee, don't empty your bladder. Always save a little, in case your rifle freezes up during the night."

The cold and the snow are are miserable, as usual, but everyone is in good spirits.

Everybody is getting lots of rest, hot meals, and hot coffee.

And best of all...everything is quiet...