German forces from the most advantageous position, we met with Ger-man infantry and armored forces at Vielsalm, Belgium, a small town on the Salm River.

On Christmas Eve night, we were ordered to break contact with the Germans and withdraw to a defensive line established about eight miles to the rear.  Hq1, less the machinegun sections supporting the covering force, spent the night traversing snow-covered hills, dense forests and fighting off German combat patrols to a ridgeline that provided an ideal defensive position.

During the following days of 1944, the 508^th PIR successfully fought off strong German infantry and armored attacks and helped stop any further advances.

On January 7, 1945, the 508^th PIR was committed to the offensive and the final destruction of Third Reich started. Thereafter, Hq1 fought both the Germans and the weather.

We later were told that 1945 was the most severe winter encountered in Europe in many years. It was bitter cold, the snow was deeper, overcast stormy clouds were common, forests were heavily laden with snow, and the Siegfried Line fortifications were strongly defended.

Despite heavy casualties, we continued to attack German forces, reduce fortifications, seize terrain, and capture small villages and towns all the way to the Roer River where we unknowingly ended our combat career.

Both the Germans and the weather inflicted casualties on the regiment. The evacuation of casualties was difficult and critical because of the lack of transportation and covered facilities.

Hampered by snow-covered roads and the bitter cold, many wounded and injured men died waiting for or during evacuation. I was one of the few fortunate ones that were evacuated which ended my career in the 508^th PIR.” 

Van R. Walker earned:

·        Bronze Star Medal