They Got Us Surrounded-the Poor Bastards: Bastogne: December 19-31, 1944 Summary and Analysis

The military set up a ring of defense around the city of Bastogne. Easy Company's position was in a woody area across from a field. The men were spread in such a way that friendly and enemy positions were difficult to navigate. On more than one occasion, troops from both sides accidentally found themselves behind enemy lines. Easy Company endured regular artillery and mortar shell attacks. Due to the lack of proper winter gear and snowy wet weather, all of the soldiers came down with trench foot. With limited ammunition, gear and food, the situation was dire. German troops surrounded the ring of soldiers protecting Bastogne, making evacuating the injured impossible. Also, the men were cut off from receiving additional supplies. The poor weather prevented...