Boesch - Road to Huertgen: Forest In Hell

In considering this Foreword, it seemed as if there were two persons so closely linked with the Huertgen battle that the book would be almost incomplete without a word from each. Fortunately, both of them, Maj. Gen. William G. Weaver and Maj. Gen. P. D. Ginder consented to pen their thoughts here.

The Huertgen Forest defenses of the Nazis were meticulously and diabolically planned. They, with the Ruhr River positions, constituted the Eastern-most section of the Siegfried system. Capture of Huertgen, followed by crossing the Ruhr would mean that the much vaunted German West Wall had been completely crushed.

The Germans intended to use Huertgen not only as a defensive structure but also as an area from which to launch part of their Argonne offensive later.

To show the importance of the Huertgen Forest, the Nazi Commander issued an order that if any of the fortifications fell into American hands, those responsible for their recapture would be awarded Iron Crosses and given furloughs.

Victory at Huertgen required not only superb efficiency and unwavering determination but inspired valor and leadership. The situation demanded and produced a superlative degree of dedicated Americanism, spirit and faith. In the forest proper, our gains came inch by inch and foot by foot, delivered by men with riflesbayonets on one end and grim, resolute courage on the other. There was no battle on the continent of Europe more devastating, frustrating or gory.

Lt. Paul Boesch, leading G Company of the 121st Infantry through screaming shells and deadly small arms fire captured a vantage point on the edge of the town of Huertgen. There, completely surrounded, he demonstrated outstanding leadership. He and his depleted company hung onto this valuable conquest and their unconquerable determination gave a springboard from which the final attack was successfully launched.

In decorating Lt. Boesch with the Silver Star for his work in this attack (his third award in less than 2 months) I wrote his wife that her husband was a brave and efficient soldier, whose actions upheld the highest military traditions.

Today, I find in his book a poignant memory of the work done by the men with the rifle that must evoke pride in every American, and a true but little told account of what it means to be an Infantryman.

William g. Weaver ,

Major general, U.S. Army (Retd.)

Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division

Huertgen Attack .

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From 1944 to 1962 seems like only a week or two when I clearly recall those great soldiers whose heroism made possible the capture of the town of Huertgen, Germany, one of the key spots of the entire Second World War.

In December, 1944, I received sudden orders detaching me from the 2nd Infantry Division and sending me to report for temporary task force duty with the 8th Infantry Division in Huertgen Forest. My orders were very simple: See what you can do about capturing the town of Huertgen.

A number of Divisions had tried to crash through to this key town, but the combination of weather, natural obstacles, mines and the German resistance had taken a terrific toll of all our attacking units. However, one unit, Company G of the 121st Infantry, had been able to take a small piece of the town and hang on to it. This badly depleted Company, led by Lt. Paul Boesch, gave me the springboard to complete the capture of Huertgen, although I was able to assemble little more than a company of soldiers and tanks to do the job.

I have seen much war, before Huertgen and after, but the memory of the way that small band of brave men responded that day will always remain as proof to me that the American soldier is among the worlds finest fighting men.

Road to Huertgen not only describes the ferocity of the fighting with an accuracy and feeling possible only to someone who was there, but it pinpoints the feelings of all men under fire and their reaction to combat... and the battles they have within themselves as well as those they fight with the enemy.

Later I led troops in Korea as Commanding General of the 45th Infantry (Thunderbird) Division, and more recently directed the Armys Reserve Program as Assistant Chief of Staff, Reserve Components. I have always felt the necessity of explaining battle to men who had never experienced it.

To accomplish that task is quite a problem, but as I read Paul Boeschs account of his heroic struggles in combat, I realized that it is not impossible.

He has done it.

To an old soldier this book will arouse memories; to the man in uniform who has never heard a shot fired in anger this book will stimulate reflexes which are life savers when the chips are down; to the youngster who eventually will be given the opportunity and privilege of wearing the uniform of his country, this book demonstrates the heights of heroism Americans can reach under the most deadly and difficult circumstances.

P. D. Ginder

Major general, u.s. Army (Retd.)