The 589th Field Artillery Battery's defense of Baraque de Fraiture, 19-23 December, 1944.

As the remnants of the 106th Infantry Division were driven back by the fierce German assault, during the Battle of the Bulge, three of their original twelve 105mm Howitzers were able to escape and were called into action to defend and hold the crossroads at Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium against the oncoming German 2nd SS Panzer Division. This action was later named "The Battle of Parker's Crossroads" in honor of the American ranking officer on scene, Major Major Arthur C. Parker, III. His group and their valiant action is described in a story

(Comments by the editor: To gather information for this story, I was assisted by eight 589th Field Artillery Battery veterans. They contributed nearly 50 pages of personal history, plus 29 pages of the 589th FAB “After Action Report,” and 50 pages of Captain Browns Diary. Much more than I could use in an article for  “The CUB.” Some furnished concise transcripts based on chronological order. Some gave general comments about the battle and what they personally experienced, without reference to timeline. I compiled what I could on a time-line order, with the balance as separate personal resumes.

L/R: All 589th Field Artillery Veterans - Harold Kuizema, Wireman, Battery B - John Schaffner, Survey Team, Forward Scout, Battery B - Charlie Jacelon, Forward Observer - John Gatens, Section Chief/Gunner, Battery A. See their comments about the battle in the following article.

This subject probably could have been presented better had I been writing  a book, rather than a quarterly publication. However, I think all the following facts are important enough to preserve for history in The CUB, and that is the reason I chose to compile this story of the 589th Field Artillery stand at Baraque de Fraiture (Parker’s Crossroads).

Thanks to the following 589th FAB veterans for contributions of personal history:

John Kline, editor, The CUB magazine, 106th Infantry Division Association.

* Alford, Barney M., Sgt. Section Chief, Section No. 2, Battery A.

* Gatens, John, Cpl. Section Chief-Gunner, Section 1, Battery A

* Goldstein, Elliott, Major, Officer in command after Major Parker was wounded.

* Jacelon, Charles F., Sergeant, Forward Observer, under Lt. Crowley, Battery A

* Kuizema, Harold J., PFC, Battery B, Wireman

* Miedema, Eldon E., Battery A, Prime Mover

* Pierson Randolph, Forward Observer

* Schaffner, John R., Cpl .Battery B, Survey Team -acted as perimeter Scout, Ground Observer, Infantryman.

The battle from the view of the veterans who were there, in action.

19 December 1944
JOHN SCHAFFNER On 19 Dec 1944 in the afternoon  what was remaining of the 589th FAB arrived at the crossroads at Baraque de Fraiture to establish some kind of blocking force against the German advance. There were approximately 100 men and three 105mm howitzers to set up the defense at this time.

The weather was cold wet and foggy with some snow already on the ground. Visibility was variable, clearing from maybe fifty yards to two or three hundred on occasion.

I didn't know who was in charge of the rag-tag group that I was with until I saw Major Elliot Goldstein out in the open, verbally bombasting the enemy (where ever they were) with all the curse words he could think of and at the top of his booming voice. I thought at the moment that he won't be around too long if there are any Germans out there to hear him. Apparently there were none, he drew no fire. I was taking cover behind the rear wheel of one of our trucks and felt rather naked.

Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium. Known in American World War II History as "Parker's Crossroads."

The three howitzers were ordered into position to defend the crossroad and I was told to go out “there” and dig in and look for an attack from “that” direction, still having no idea of the situation. Most of the night we spent in the foxhole. All was quiet on the front line. When I was relieved during the night to get some rest I tried to find a dry place in the stone barn to lay down. The floor was deep in muck, but the hay rack on the wall was full of dry hay so I accepted that as a good place to sleep. Pushing the cows aside I climbed into the hay. I guess that the cows just didn't understand, because they kept pulling the hay out from under me until I became the next course on their menu. Anyway  it wasn’t long until I was outside in another hole in the ground.

RANDOLPH C. PIERSON (12/19/44): What a way to spend my 21st birthday! We are headed north to fight Panzers again! That's GREAT! Major Arthur C. Parker, now commanding, received orders to split the reduced Battalion into two elements: One element to move west and establish a defensive road block at a village I never heard of, and the second element to move north to the crossroads located at Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium, to repel an expected Panzer attack.

I was assigned to the advance party of the second element and arrived at Baraque de Fraiture about 1400 hours. My responsibility was to help establish the Command Post, Fire Direction Center, Message Center, and a local communications network.

To order an already beat-up Artillery unit to fight Panzers was stupid! We were not trained as Infantry nor Tank Destroyers. What were we supposed to do?

I could not comprehend why Panzers would attack here. Before we arrived there was nothing to attack but three or four empty buildings and a few milk cows. Why would the German army fight for this bleak, windswept, cold, snow-covered, open spot in the Ardennes Forest? This terrain is worth nothing!

We had not seen our Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. T. Paine Kelly, in three days now. This bothered me! What had happened to him? (As we all know, from Kelly's recent CUB story, he had gotten separated in the Ardennes, and eventually captured.. Editor)

HAROLD J. KUIZEMA (12/19/44): - There was snow on the ground, it was cold and so foggy it was impossible to see more than 100 feet. Soon the order came to “MOVE TO THE CROSSROADS” (BARAQUE DE FRAITURE). We took over some of the larger family homes there. The home we took over had an attached barn with cows and hay to feed the cows. The elderly gentleman whose home we took over had taken the time to milk the cows before he left. As he left, he offered me some milk (which I refused), I’m not sure why since that was the last time we saw fresh milk for some time. The picture of him walking off with his little pushcart with his belongings is still vivid in my mind. This house was later used as a Command Post.. We all found a variety of places to sleep in this house. There was always someone who pulled guard. My memory would say we were on guard two hours and then off for four hours. I don’t recall sleeping much there. My buddy BERNARD STROHMIER remembers sleeping on the hay. The cows kept eating and so by morning, Bernie was wedged in the trough that the cows had eaten from.

20 December 1944
JOHN SCHAFFNER: The weather remained miserable, cold wet and foggy with a little more snow for good measure. If the enemy was around he was keeping it a secret. The day went very slowly. (This kind of time is usually spent getting your hole just a bit deeper, you never know how deep is going to be deep enough.) Now and then one of our guys would pop off a few rounds at something, real or imagined.

We were joined by some AAA people with a towed trailer mounted with four .50 cal MG’s and a 37mm cannon. I thought at the time, I’d hate to be in front of that thing when it went off. (I only saw the one unit then but the books reporting the action mention that there were four of these units there from the 203rd AAA, 7th Armored Division.) This weapon was positioned to fire directly down the road to Houffalize. Frank Aspinwall also reports that we were joined by a platoon of the 87th Recon Squadron.

Later in the evening, Captain Brown sent me with another “B” Battery G.I. Ken Sewell to a foxhole in the ditch at the side of the road to Houffalize, about a couple hundred yards out from the crossroads (hard to remember exactly). We were the outpost and had a field telephone hookup to Captain A.C. Brown’s CP. Captain Brown told us to just sit tight and report any movement we observed. There was a “daisy chain” of mines strung across the road a few yards ahead of our position to stop any vehicles. The darkness was made even deeper by the thick fog that night, with a silence to match. Now and then a pine tree would drop some snow or make a noise. I think my eyelids and ears were set on “Full Open”.

There we sat in this hole in the ground just waiting and watching, until about midnight when we could hear strange noises in the fog. It was very dark and our visibility was extremely limited but we were able to discern what was making the strange noise as about a dozen Germans came into view on bicycles. They stopped in the road when they came on the mines. Being unaware of our presence, not 10 yards away, they stood there in front of us in the middle of the road- probably talking over what to do next. We could hear the language was not English and they were wearing “square” helmets. Sewell and I were in big trouble. This was a first for us to be this close to the enemy. Thinking that there was too many for us to take on with a carbines I took the telephone and whispered   our situation to Captain Brown. His orders were to “ Keep your head down and when you hear me fire my .45 the first time we will sweep the road with the AAA quad 50’s. When that stops I will fire my .45 again and then we will hold fire while you two come out of your hole and return to the CP. Make it quick!” And that's the way it happened. That German patrol never knew what hit them. On hearing the .45 the second time Ken and I left our hole  and keeping low, ran back toward our perimeter. I was running so hard that my helmet bounced off my head and went rolling out into the darkness. I thought, “to hell with it” and never slowed down to retrieve it. I lost sight of Ken and honestly don t remember ever seeing him again. I heard many years later that he was captured along with Bernard Strohmier and others after the Germans took the crossroads.

By calling out the password “Coleman” I got safely past our perimeter defense and was then shot at (and missed) by somebody at the howitzer position as I approached it. After a blast of good old American obscenities they allowed me through and I reported to Captain Brown. (The official book ways that there was an eighty man patrol from the 560th Volksgrenadier Division and the 2nd Panzer Division out there that night. Maybe the rest were back in the fog somewhere).

RANDOLPH C. PIERSON (12/20/44): It is cold, almost 20 degrees below freezing. The north wind is brisk. I was glad I got to spent the night in the security of the root cellar under the stone Command Post building. During the night, and early this morning, Major Parker had persuaded stragglers to stand and fight With us.

They were; - One light tank and crew from the 87th Recon Squadron; Four, 3 inch, high velocity anti-tank guns and crews from the 643rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, and  Four anti-aircraft half-tracks from the 203rd AA Bn., 3 mounting Quad-Fiftys, one mounting a 37mm AA gun.

We received our first fire mission at approximately 1500 hours, enemy infantry entering Samree, Belgium. This is strange, our defenses are facing east and north, Samree is to our west. We successfully completed the mission with the report, “Cease Fire, enemy infantry withdrawing from Samree”. Where in the HELL is the enemy? Another typical situation. No one knows anything. SNAFU!

Our second activity occurred about 2300 hours. Enemy infantry reported approaching our positions from the east. Alerted the Quad-Fifty half-track covering that sector. They delivered devastating fire, which I watched from the road in front of the CP. It was beautiful, looked like four lines of giant fire flies chasing each other. I could not relate this beautiful sight to the carnage being created on the enemy end.

A combat patrol is dispatched to “mop up” enemy survivors. The patrol found only one wounded German, many dead bodies, and scattered, mangled bicycles.

The main question is, what was this patrol doing? Why is it here? We could only guess. The wounded man died without speaking. We will never know.

HAROLD J. KUIZEMA (12/20/44): Weather conditions were the same - COLD, SNOWY, AND FOGGY. Today we positioned ourselves around the house. My buddies were busy laying land mines across the road. Others had set up the machine guns. We placed our trucks which were weapon carriers, and used them for hiding or defense. We lay right underneath the trucks. That day the GERMANS made their first attack. I fired my carbine from behind a truck wheel. Many Germans were wounded and would call out, “COMRADE, COMRADE.” One dead German soldier that lay approximately 50 feet from us was a very young soldier - perhaps a sixteen year old. Major Parker wanted us to round up those who had been taken prisoner. He asked me to accompany him with the prisoners as we directed them to the C.P. for interrogation.

21 December 1944
JOHN SCHAFFNER: I was sent forward to have a look around and found several dead German soldiers in the snow. I was not at all comfortable with that and was happy to have not found any live ones. The enemy had apparently pulled back after we had cut down their advance group the night before.

All that day was spent digging and improving our defensive perimeter. We were given some “warming time” off and on inside the stone building being used as a CP. At one point I was detailed to guard two German prisoners that were brought  in. I never learned the circumstances of their capture. One, an officer, spoke good English and warned us that the German Army was coming through us and would kill anyone in the way and push the rest into the English Channel, so  we could save everybody a lot of trouble by surrendering to him right then and there.

At one point a Sherman tank came along and was set up in front of our CP and fired a few rounds across the field and into the forest at some distant soldiers running from tree to tree for cover.

That night after the initial attack, I recall being in my foxhole waiting for the Germans to come at us again. The realization came to me that I was involved in a real risky business. The area was lighted by the flames of a store of fuel drums burning throughout most of the rest of the night and reflecting eerily on the snow covered ground. The only sounds were that of the fire and the crying for help from the wounded enemy who were laying out there just out of view. I stayed in the foxhole all night and never did discover what finally happened to them, apparently their people abandoned them. Later I heard that one of our medics went out and checked on them and did what he could. Over the years I continue to feel some responsibility for their fate, since it was me who called for the fire on them when they first approached the crossroads. Responsible: yes. sorry: no. It was them or me.

From German Army archives: This photo was taken 22 January 1945 at Parker's Crossroads.
One of the buildings near the Crossroads. In front, an American Jeep, behind it an American
M8 Armored Scout Car with 37mm Cannon. On left, two German soldiers viewing the wreckage.
Ahead of them an American M4 Tank. The road, looking beyond the tank lead north to Manhay.
Photo furnished by Hans Wijers, a friend of the 106th Inf Div from the Netherlands.

A lot of things go through your mind when you think that it is your time to die and I can clearly remember laying in that cold hole in the ground that could shortly be my grave thinking that I had not even experienced being “in love” yet. I definitely did not want to die in this strange place. I prayed to God, Jesus and every other deity that I could think of, for help. In later years I heard the expression that, “there were no atheists in foxholes”. You can believe that.

RANDOLPH C. PIERSON (12/21/44): Major Parker looks bad, really tired. He hasn't had much rest or sleep in five days. We all are getting fatigued. It shows in the eyes. At 0530 hours, our first serious attack began. About two platoons of enemy infantry in the forest east of the perimeter, supported by light mortar fire, seemed to be testing our defense capability.

By daylight, howitzer and heavy automatic weapons fire had forced the enemy to withdraw. Only a single mortar continues to deliver interdiction fire into our positions.

About 0800 hours, Major Parker dispatched the light Recon tank to find and neutralize the mortar position. In a short time the tank returned to the CP. The non-com tank commander reported to the Major the mortar had been neutralized. He then produced 5 German “Soldiers Books” to identify the enemy unit attacking us and as proof of his kill.

This second fire fight proved to the enemy that we were here, and planning to stay. So far, so good. No American casualties!

At 2000 hours the Major asked me to man an observation post for the remainder of the night. He expected an enemy build-up during the night and needed a forward observer to adjust harassing fire. The walk to the OP was dark and frightening. The OP I manned was 800 or 900 yards east of our perimeter. I was alone except for my EE8A field telephone, my .45 caliber pistol, and my freshly sharpened boot knife. I wished I was back at the CP.

HAROLD J. KUIZEMA (12/21-22/44):

FOG, SNOW, and COLD persisted. The next few days we were busy trying to dig our fox holes as deep and we could. We dug them around the house. Weather conditions being what they were, the ground did not cooperate with our efforts very easily. There were two of us in each foxhole and we lined them with an army blanket. Sad, but true, I do not remember who I shared my foxhole with. We were mainly concerned with surviving at that time. One of us was always on guard and so it was not a very social time. Keeping alert was crucial to survival. The feeling were ones of constant fear. Prior to my army experience I was firmly established in my belief in God. I cannot say I thought about that a great deal. We were kept very busy with an attack occurring twice  every day -one attack in the morning and another in the afternoon. The truck just behind  us ( a half track with a machine gun mounted on it ) was intermittently spraying the area with machine gun fire to flush out any snipers who might be in the area. Fulfilling our duties, surviving and  keeping warm were high priority. I know the prayers of my family and church followed me.

22 December 1944

JOHN SCHAFFNER( 12/22/44): Very early, in the dark, the next morning 22nd Dec, the Germans attacked again and we were subjected to small arms and mortar fire off and on all day. At one point mortar rounds were landing real close to my hole and I was feeling very exposed with no helmet to crawl into. I could hear the mortar fragments smacking into the ground around  my foxhole. Most of the rounds were falling farther in toward the buildings. I saw one hit the roof of Captain Brown’s CP. It must have been during this time that Major Parker was wounded by a fragment. I’m not sure about that. I didn't witness it. There was a G.I. in a foxhole next to mine who would not fire his weapon. When I called to him to fire he just looked at me. I didn't know him and don’t know his fate either, I could not understand why he was not willing to help himself (and the rest of us). I have read since that this is not an unusual occurrence. There are always a certain number who will not squeeze that trigger, even when their life is threatened.

Late in the afternoon several tanks were heard approaching our position. Thankfully they were ours. They rolled out in the open and fired their big guns into the German positions and I thought, no problem now with all this help the day is saved. It got quiet again. And then the tanks left. Looked like we would be hung out to dry but it did stop the enemy attack for a while. Thanks, tankers. Too bad you couldn’t stay for dinner.

After dark I was moved in closer to the CP and dug another hole along with a G.I. named Randy Pierson. One of our guys made a run from hole to hole tossing everybody something to eat. I caught a box of “wet-or-dry” cereal and ate it dry. The two of us spent the night in the hole. One of us would sleep an hour and the other keep watch and then we would alternate. This was the only kind of rest that anybody got. We had dug our hole reasonable deep and then further fortified it with some fence rails that we crisscrossed in front of it. I was sure that we would be attacked that night. I had 30 rounds of carbine ammunition remaining and a knife that I placed on the ground where I could reach it. I prayed that it would not be necessary. It got very cold that night and the enemy did not attack. Another very long night.

At the time the weather was our worst enemy but then in the morning things changed and weather took second place.

RANDOLPH C. PIERSON (12/22/44): The most horrifying time of my life started at 0230 hours when I detected vehicles moving some 2,000 yards east of me. We fired a heavy artillery concentration into what seemed to be an infantry assembly area. This fire mission caused both vehicles and infantry to move in my direction.

To counter this movement, we fired 4 or 5 more concentrations, each one “walking” about 400 yards closer to me. Finally my OP area was crawling with enemy infantry, moving furiously to stay ahead of the exploding shells. To my dismay, this “walking” barrage was soon delivering ground shaking tree bursts directly over my head. I was not detected by the preoccupied enemy infantry as they passed me, but my EE8A was blown to bits. I lost contact with Battalion headquarters!

Direct fire from our 105mm howitzers, the 3-inch anti-tank guns, coupled with automatic weapons and small arms fire caused the German infantry to withdraw about one hour later. It was still dark. This time the enemy infantry passed over my position while in retreat. Fortunately, I, again, was not detected.

Later, when I felt somewhat secure, I decided to try to return to the perimeter without getting killed. As I was about to leave my hole, I heard a noise. Then a German helmet fell into the hole, followed by a sweaty smelling, heavy breathing body. With my adrenaline flowing, I frantically stabbed and sliced until there was no movement. Exhausted, I remained under the warm, bleeding body for quite some time.

Desperation finally drove me to work my way back to our perimeter. I thanked God that I was not shot by either friend or foe during the journey.

My arrival at the perimeter was about 0600 hours, only minutes before the start of the second German attack. This attack lasted almost one hour and I was pressed into service as an ammunition handler for a .50 caliber machine gun position. Another unnerving experience!

Upon my arrival at the CP at about 0800 hours, I was warmly greeted. The guys thought their barrage or the enemy had killed me. When they noticed my bloody uniform, they thought I had been wounded. Reports from the perimeter advised Major Parker the perimeter was secure, but we had sustained WIAs.

At 1155 hours, Major Parker received permission from Division to disengage and withdraw the 589th troops to Manhay to draw new supplies from the 3rd Armored Division. The Major declined to leave, although the scarcity of ammunition concerned him. During the afternoon, Major Parker sustained serious wounds, shell fragments in the chest. That night, over his objections, he was evacuated in a half-track.

23 December 1944

JOHN SCHAFFNER: It seems that the Germans had come closer each time our perimeter got smaller, and were ready to end it. The fog would roll in and out giving us limited visibility. I would fire at anything I saw moving around in range of my hole. This weather was tough on use but I think it was to our advantage from a defensive point of view. I m sure our enemy was not able to determine exactly what he had to overcome to take the crossroads. Whenever he came into view we would drive him back into the fog. Our ammunition was running out. I had one clip of carbine rounds and could find no more. Word had come around that when the ammo ran out and the Germans came it would be every man for himself to escape if you could otherwise a surrender was prudent. We were apparently surrounded but the Germans were taking the easiest route, the hard surface roads. That left the fields open.

Late afternoon, probably after 1600 the final assault came. Mortars, small arms and fire from tanks. I was in the stone building, sitting on the floor with my back to the wall. Harold Kuizema was with me. This room must have been a kitchen at one time because I recall a wood burning cook stove and a G.I. who I didn't know trying to heat something at it. Something big hit that wall and exploded it right over our heads into the room. It must have hit high or it would have gotten the both of Use. As it was it filled the room with debris and dust. That was all the motivation we needed to leave there. To wait for another one never crossed my mind. We (Harold and me) went to the front door. They were coming and we were going. It was that simple. Some of our people were going to the cellar. I didn't like that idea. So once outside, I crawled to the road and the ditch. There were some cattle milling about on the road, and much smoke so I got up and ran through the cattle to the ditch on the far side and once again dropped down to avoid the German fire. On this side of the road was a snow covered fields very open, but it was “away” from the attack so that's the direction that I took. Not far into the field Harold went down. As I got to him I saw two G.I.’s approaching from the other direction. It was apparent that Harold was not going any farther on his own so between the three of us we moved him the remaining distance to the shelter of the woods and into the company of a patrol of infantrymen from the 82nd AB Div. When we reached the shelter of the woods and I looked back at the crossroads the whole sky seemed to be lighted by the flames from the burning building and vehicles. Our wounded man was evacuated and I received permission to tag along with these 82nd AB Div G.I.’s which I did until late sometime the next day (24th) when I was able to locate some 106th Division people. There were some vehicles from the 589th with this group that were not with us at Parker’s Crossroads and one was loaded with duffel bags - mine was with them. Another miracle, clean underwear and socks.

Spring 1944- 589th Field Artillery soldiers on the Artillery Range, Camp Atterbury, Indiana
Front/Center: T/4 Randolph C. Pierson, Fire Direction Center VCO; Clockwise L/R: T/4 Ruona, Survey Sergeant
and members of his his crew, Pvt. Slack; Pvt Feinberg and Pvt Kaufman.

RANDOLPH C. PIERSON: (12/23/44): The first round of the pre-dawn German Artillery preparation landed at 0430 hours. It was from a German 88mm gun. The enemy had moved artillery within range of the crossroads. We had no capability to return fire. We could only hunker down, curse, and wait for the inevitable. Automatic arms fire was coming from the north and south flanks of the perimeter for the first time. The German infantry had moved through the forest in an effort to flank us. This forced a corresponding change in our defense lines and weapons emplacements. This turned out to be a determined attack. It lasted until about 0945 hours, almost 5 hours. Five hours under direct fire is an eternity in close combat!

We took casualties, both KIAs and WIAs! Why do we continue to fight? Why do the guys in the other units continue to fight? They are getting killed too! It doesn't make sense! It's like everyone has a death wish. We all know what the outcome will be, yet we don’t quit!

At 1600 hours the third attack of the day started. The Artillery preparation was more vicious and gut wrenching than before. This experience is impossible for me to describe. It affects people differently. Some break and run, only to be cut down by shell fragments or small arms fire. Others, like me, dig in and mentally try to block out the mayhem which surrounds us.

Advance elements of the 2nd and 9th SS Panzer Divisions were using armor to exert tremendous pressure on our defenses from both the south and east. Our heavy weapons were their prime targets. They are losing Panzers, but we are losing the battle of attrition.

The entire top floor of the CP building had been shot away by the time darkness fell. Only a fragment of the sturdy stone east wall still stands. Several of us took refuge in the undamaged root cellar.

By 1700 hours, enemy infantry probes were coming fast and furious from all points of the compass. We were finally surrounded - COMPLETELY surrounded! It is the beginning of the end! About 2 hours after the final attack started, Captain George Huxel, the only remaining officer, entered the root cellar. His message is brief and to the point: - We can no longer deny the enemy access to the crossroads. We have more than fulfilled our mission. We must now make a decision, based on 3 choices: 1. Stay, fight, and die, and accomplish nothing; 2. Lay down our arms, and wait to be captured or killed; 3. Risk death or capture by trying to withdraw and fight another day. He advised us he could not make the decision for us, each man must make his own.

When asked what he was going to do, he advised us he would try to make his was through the enemy lines at dusk. Then move northward hoping to reach the territory occupied by the 82nd Airborne Division.

The Captain then offered to lead anyone who wished to follow, however, there were no takers. He concluded, “It has been an honor to serve with you. I hope we will all survive and serve together again”. He then left.

This information triggered much discussion among the eight or nine GIs in the cellar. There is no consensus of opinion. The top floor of the building is on fire. I made my decision; I gathered my gear and left. The trip across the open ground, stumbling, falling, and being exposed to enemy fire was another nightmare. The four hundred yards from the CP to the tree line of the forest seemed like miles. Without any idea what awaited me in the distant tree line, I continued to crouch and run, determined to reach cover. Winded and wounded I finally made it! In the dense forest, under the cover of night, I turned in the direction I thought was north. Limping from the pain of White Phosphorous burns and struggling against the deep snow, I fought my way deeper into the forest. I never once looked back!

HAROLD J. KUIZEMA (12/23/44): Somehow that afternoon a piece of stray shrapnel from one of the shells hit my thumb while I was in my foxhole. The wound was jagged and bleeding, but comparatively minor. I went to the C.P. for FIRST AID and there saw men with faces blown off and pulling teeth out of their mouths.

I also observed a German prisoner being interrogated by one of our officers (he was using one of our group as an interpreter). While in the C.P. a group from the 82nd Airborne joined our group. They had come on foot and their eagerness to get into battle impressed me. “Where are the bazookas?”, they said. They were “gung ho” to get into action. Action came in the form of some direct hits to the house - A FIRE STARTED! I ran out of the house and started across the nearby field. I was flat on my stomach trying to get under a fence when I was wounded in my left thigh by a nearby shell that exploded. My left leg was numb. I tried crawling beyond the fence, but realized I would need help. A medic nearby gave me some First Aid using my First Aid kit. Dusk was upon us and night was drawing near. John Schaffner, 589th Battery B 106th Division came to my aid. He and another person I do not know helped me across the field into a wooded area - it seemed like miles. While in the woods we met up with some troops from the 82nd Airborne who met us with 30 caliber machine guns. They halted us and we shouted “AMERICAN”. They then directed us to the aid station. There a jeep was ready to take other wounded on stretchers out to a FIELD HOSPITAL and since I could sit up they got me in the front seat and included me in their load.

HAROLD J. KUIZEMA (12/25/44): The FIELD HOSPITAL was like a large garage. We were lined up on the floor and the only treatment I received for two days was a dressing change for my wounds. The wounded were cared for according to the severity of their injuries. Many were much more seriously injured than I was. The Germans as well as Americans were cared for here. Some staff found it very difficult to care for the Germans. It was an unusual Christmas for all of us.

HAROLD J. KUIZEMA (12/26/44): From the FIELD HOSPITAL I was transferred to a CASTLE that was converted into a hospital in Leige, Belgium. Next was a train ride to a newly set up hospital in Paris, France where I stayed for one week. My next stop was a hospital in England. The ambulance that transported me to the Paris Airport went by the EIFEL TOWER and I was able to see it from a window in the ambulance. I was transported by a C-47 to the hospital where I stayed for four months for treatment for my leg wound as well as a bad case of frozen feet.

EPILOGUE
RANDOLPH C. PIERSON:

Two days after leaving the crossroads, the I was “captured,” asleep in a hay stack, by an intelligence patrol of the 82nd Airborne Division. At that time American troops in this area were very paranoid about German saboteurs, dressed in American uniforms, infiltrating their lines. I was suspected of being a German spy and hospitalized for burns and frost bite in a medical facility for German POWs. Subsequent investigation proved him to be an American T/4 from the 589th FA Bn.

Early in January, 1945, he was released to the 106th Infantry Division and then assigned as an enlisted man Forward Observer for XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery in the 592nd FA Battalion. On 24 January 1945, me  and two close friends, T/4 Delbert Miller and Sergeant Barney Alford, from the 589th, traveled to Stavelot, Belgium to receive direct promotions to Second Lieutenant.

As an officer, the I returned, in late January 1945, to serve as an Artillery Forward Observer with the same Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne) that had “captured” me in the haystack after I left the Crossroads.

In April, 1945, I rejoined the 106th Infantry Division which was being reformed in France. In June, 1945, when the 106th Division was returned to the States, I transferred to the 9th FA Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division and served with that unit until June, 1946 in the European Army of Occupation.

BARNEY ALFORD: Resume’

I was at “Parker’s Crossroads” with my gun crew from the beginning to the very end. My gun was covering the road to Houffalize and we took part in the skirmishes and the final battle. We were ordered to man our gun constantly and to be ready to fire at any enemy units that came into our field of fire. As you know there was there was only occasional intense action and we were involved in it all.

I happen to be one who came out of it and make my way back to our line of defense in the 82nd Airborne area. I was able to do this due to several things that took place during the last day of the battle. When it became apparent that we were going to be overrun by the enemy, Captain Brown came by our gun and told us we would be on our own, but to hold as long as possible. We did hold, but it became very obvious that it was be killed or captured. I urged my gun crew to follow me. Some did and a few stayed.

During the final barrage the enemy was  firing smoke shells (maybe phosphorous) that produced smoke mixed with the fog. Taking advantage of this cover and protective cover such as equipment, farm sheds, and road ditches I was able to cross two roads and make my way into the forest. On the way we passed some buildings where some of the men decided to take cover. I never saw any of them again. As I made my way through the woods I ran into other GI’s that knew where the 82nd Airborne lines were. When we got close enough to be challenged, we were, but they seemed to know we we American and didn't give us a hard time.

After being questioned by an officer, he asked what he could do for us. We all asked for food. He said he could take care of that, and led us to the rear area where we saw a big “GI garbage can” on a stove - it was full of C rations. We all said this was the best C ration that we had ever eaten. After we ate they led us to a barn filled with soft hay and told us to get some rest as we would be moving out early the next morning. The officer said we would be fighting with them until Headquarters got things straightened out, then we would be assigned to other units.

The sleep we got that night was the best we had for many days. We were told the next morning that we had slept through a barrage that had lasted for hours. We guessed that we had been softening up the enemy to move forward the next morning. We did move out with the 82nd and stayed with them for a few days.

The confusion associated with the last days at “Parker’s Crossroads” and the intensity of the firing, the dense smoke and fog really had a lasting impression on all of us. Since we were surrounded we hardly knew which direction the enemy would come from. I still do not know how any of us came out of that battle alive. I know I must have had a guardian angel that protected me and led me the to my safety. The sad fact is that many did not make it.

For those of us that did make it, we were able to gain pleasure in helping pinch off the Bulge. We then helped kill Hitler’s dream.

Later, I was called to a ceremony, during a lull in the fighting, and received a  battlefield commission, Second Lieutenant and a “Silver Star.” I did not think I did anything to deserve it. I was just doing what we were taught to do. During the commissioning ceremony, T/4 Randy Pierson and T/4 Delbert Miller received battlefield commissions to 2nd Lt. (These two men also received the “Star” awards, recommended as Silver, but graded down to “Bronze” for reasons  unknown. Pierson sent me a copy of his award - it shows “Silver” inked out and changed to Bronze. You all deserved more than that.. J. Kline)

589th FAB Prime Mover Driver, Eldon E. Miedma with family June, Felicia and David.

ELDON MIEDEMA: Resume’
The battle at Parker’s Crossroads was very confusing. The weather was cold and foggy. It was difficult to tell what was happening. I was disturbed by Major Goldstein because he kept shooting off a German machine pistol. I thought he should not have used it for it could have gotten us killed by our own men, but it didn't. I helped shoot up a German bicycle patrol one night. They were all killed, except for a German medic. I took him prisoner and  was reprimanded by Lt. Jefferson.

I shot two Germans that were in the back of my prime mover going through the barracks bags. I remember Major Goldstein taking Jim English (I helped carry him to the half-track) and other wounded Americans, along with two German Prisoners of War on the half-track. I never saw Major Goldstein after that. (Eldon, read Major Goldstein accounting, excerpts from several letters I received from him, which appear below... editor)

As the Germans closed in an 82nd Airborne paratrooper and I went into a barn to release livestock and then jumped out a window to head out. I went in the wrong direction and ran into the Germans. I was taken prisoner.

(Notes from Eldon's POW affidavit.. editor) - After being taken prisoner, I, along with 12-14 other Americans were marched all night and questioned by German officers. The next day we were marched to Houffalize.... The affidavit continues explaining his march to Prüm, Gerolstein, eventually ended up at Stalag 12-A, Limburg. In late March as the Americans were advancing on Limburg the camp was evacuated. Eldon escaped and hid out in the woods near Weilburg, where he was liberated by the 2nd Infantry Division. He states, “I  escaped from the Germans with a fellow POW, Bill Cody, but he was recaptured when he went to a stream to get a drink of water. We worked three days to get a can of peas open. I sure would like to know what happened to him.”

CHARLES F. JACELON: Resume’

Excerpts from his “How Parker’s Cross Roads Happened” December 5 through December 23, 1944. (I will pick up starting with 19 December to coincide with the others... editor)

For the next couple of nights we traveled with an AAA group, which was heading for France. After that Major Parker reported to division headquarters, in Vielsalm. He was told to bring the battalion to Vielsalm the next day. We returned to the battalion on the road between Salmchateau and the crossroads at Baraque Fraiture. We proceeded to the crossroads - past the crossroads, a few hundred yards, to a large open field on the left, west side of the road. We bivouacked there. (This is the road to Samree).

Early the next morning we started out for Vielsalm. I was driving the lead jeep with Major Parker in the passenger seat, as we entered the point where the two roads actually cross. A 2½ ton army truck came speeding toward us from the direction of Houffalize. Major Parker yelled “whoa” and I stopped the jeep. The Major got out and asked the driver of the truck where he was speeding to. The driver said that a German tank attack was heading our way from Houffalize. By this time Major Goldstein had walked up from his jeep which was the second vehicle, and he said “You know, we came over here to fight a war and this looks like a good place to start.” Major Parker said ”I was thinking the same thing, Major (Goldstein) set up for the defense

Of this crossroad. Major Goldstein said, “I am going to ask my big friend here (a tracked vehicle with a dozer blade) to dig me some gun pits.” This is the true - verbatim -conversation that led to the story of Parker’s Crossroads, ask Major Goldstein.

I believe that initially Major Parker entered the building that became Capt. Beans C.P. the building had a bar, and while Major Parker was doing his planning and map work by flashlight, someone handed him a bottle of beer that had been found in the basement. Major Parker drank half, then handed it to me, saying, “Here driver, I want you to have some of this.” A young woman resident rushed in to get something from a drawer or cabinet and Major Parker said to her ”You do not have to leave, we will protect you." her reply was, “Boche come, I go.” and she left.

The guns were emplaced, and a sentry, John Schaffner, in a foxhole, was in front of the howitzer and the quad local machine guns in a turret on a half track. In the middle of the night the sentry reported that a German patrol on bicycles was examining the “daisy chain”, a string of antitank mines tied together in a line so that it could be pulled into place across a road in front of the lead enemy vehicle. At that time the Howitzer and the quad-mounted 50 cal. guns fired blindly, and when the volley ended our sentry ran back to the command post. When the mist and the night lifted we found dead and wounded Germans.

I did not know of Major Parkers’s being  wounded, or of the death of the Sergeant reportedly conversing with Capt. Bean. I remember a G.I. truck on fire speeding through the crossroads from Samree toward Vielsalm. I remember that on the evening of Dec. 22, Major Goldstein told me to take a forward observer sergeant to his unit in Manhay about ten miles away we had a pleasant ride, found Manhay completely deserted, and as we returned to the crossroads the German tanks (which overran our position the next day) were blasting an American tank that was bombed out in the first action a month or two before. When the German tanks stopped firing I drove to the crossroad, turned left and drove the hundred yards or so to the C.P. and turned into the yard. That night there was sporadic firing around the perimeter, and during the 23rd we fired carbines and rifles which was all we had left at the tanks and soldiers too far away to be hit.

Late in the afternoon the tanks moved across the field between the Vielsalm and Houffalize roads. As our C.P. started to burn down around us I could see no alternative to surrender, so with several others we walked past the head of the tank column into captivity.

JOHN GATENS: Resume’

(John in his resume’ leads us from the action in the Belgian border by explaining some un-explained facts. As in all history there are some mistakes. I am sure there would be some in any story related 53 years after the fact. Out of respect for John Gatens I will include his explanation which nicely leads into the Parker’s Crossroads action - Thanks John... editor)

The main theme in all the stories about “Parker’s Crossroads” has been about the “three Howitzers.”  I feel by now that everyone knows that there are actually four Howitzers to a firing battery. In the article “The Incredible Valor of Eric Wood,”  Section Chief, Sgt. Scannapico’s Section No. 3 is mentioned in the Saturday Evening article. It is unfortunate that he was KIA.. Also Section Chief Sgt. Barney Alford’s, Section No. 2 is mentioned. In our own history “St Vith: LION in the WAY,” page 188, Section Chief  Sgt. Johnnie B. Jordan's Section No. 4 is mentioned in the Saturday Evening Post article. There are also other references to these sections. Nowhere, including the story about Parker’s Crossroads is the name of the Section Chief named for Section 1. For the record I would like to get into the record Section Chief, Sgt. George Shook, and Gunner Cpl. John Gatens, and tell you my story about Section No. 1.

In the story “The Incredible Valor of Eric Wood,” it states that Section No. 4, which in reality was Section No. 1, was the only piece in the entire Battalion which could reach the oncoming tanks. In a direct fire situation of a 105mm  Howitzer, the gunner like me, has complete control of the firing, because it is he that has to set all elevations and traversing actions. In the case of the tank mentioned in that story I had traversed and set elevation  to my satisfaction. I missed on the first shot. Sgt. Shook, standing behind me, hollered I was a little high. I lowered the elevation and gave the command to fire. It was a direct hit. We fired another round for effect and scratched one German tank. Truly a deed that warranted recognition for the No. 1 Section.

When march orders were given by Lt. Eric Wood, Jr, Sgt. Shook was no where to be found. This left me as second in command with a double duty as Section Chief and Gunner.

Now to Parker’s Crossroads, where we ended up on Lt. Eric Wood’s march order. Unfortunately he disappeared - that story has been well publicized. We ended up at the Crossroads without and officer in command of my section. Another error that has been compounded over the years is the placement of Section  No 1 gun site at the Crossroads. In “St. Vith: LION in the WAY,” page 185, it shows my gun in the corner of the crossroads of the ”TO REGNE" “TO HOUFFALIZE” quadrant pointing toward the Manhay/Samree quadrant. The error is that my gun was actually directly across the road, in the corner of the Manhay/Samree quadrant, with the Howitzer facing towards the Regne/Houffalize quadrant, exactly across the road from the tank and the two buildings. That tank (3rd Armored), shown in front. of the buildings, came to that point the second day we were there. We were happy to see a tank in our area. As they pulled up one of the crew jumped out, walked to the corner and looked down the road towards Regne. He suddenly hit the ground with a bullet hole in his head, put there by a German sniper. Unfortunately he was wearing only the soft tanker's hat. We fired a few rounds into the woods along the Regne road and never heard anymore from that direction.

Major Parker visited my position at least three times. He was always in good spirits and giving encouragement. He would leave saying, “Don’t worry, we will be leaving here soon.” Little did we know that he had ignored the order to displace northward toward Bra, as described in the story, The Alamo Defense. Loss of this crossroads junction would have given the Germans freedom to move in all directions, to flank or penetrate the First Army line.

The most unusual fire mission I received was from Major Parker. At the time I had no idea what he was doing. The story “The Alamo Defense” explains that Major Parker knew a powerful enemy Armored Infantry force lay four miles west of Samree. Major Parker told me to turn my Howitzer around, approximately 180 degrees. That was done with difficulty since we were dug in. In that direction there was a house. He gave me the elevation and then said, “I want you to come as close to the peak of that house as you can, without hitting it, and we will fire.” I looked through the sight, as well as the tube, and asked my No. 1 man to confirm, which he did. I told Major Parker we were ready at which time he gave the order to fire. We fired four rounds. There is another accounting of this action on page 186 of “St. Vith: LION in the WAY.”

We also had a few encounters we acted as Infantrymen. Captain Brown (another courageous man and great leader) cautioned us that there was a group of Germans on bicycles near a “daisy chain” of anti-tank mines that had been placed on the road. He told us when the order to fire was given that we should fire down the road. Boy, when those quad mounted 50’s opened up, so did we. The roar was deafening. The order was given to stop, then all night long you could hear men in pain, calling for help. As much as I knew that they were the enemy, I had to feel sorry for them.

Around mid-afternoon on 23 December, we started to receive an artillery barrage. It was light at first, then got heavier. Captain Brown warned of an Infantry attack after it lifted. With that order I ran across the street to the building where the crew were trying to get warm. Before I got to the door the shells were falling all around us. The house was hit and burning. The shelling stopped .  The German infantry were all around and a German tank had  it's gun stuck through the door. A German officer ordered us out or the tank would fire. That was the end for me and the collapse of a great stand known as “Parker’s Crossroads.”

Sgt. Scannapico’s section No. 3 was dead, Sgt Barney Alford (later to become a Lt) and Sgt. Jordan section No. 4 escaped and were able to give their accounting of the battle. Section No. 1 was captured and was not able to give their accounting. So we became to be the “three guns” in any and all articles. This is my story as I lived and remembered it. I hope it is of interest to those that may read it.

Another View of Parker's Crossroads - Baraque de Fraiture, Belgium

ELLIOTT GOLDSTEIN (formerly 589th FAB Major, in command after Major Parker was wounded).
Excerpts from letters:

(Major Goldstein assumed command of the group at Baraque de Fraiture after Major Parker was seriously wounded. In June 1996, through the urging of Col Kelly, 589th FAB CO, he joined the 106th Infantry Division Association. Inspired by Kelly’s story that appeared in The CUB, he has the urge to reconstruct the actions at “Parker’s Crossroads.” I learned of his interest and sent him a copy of “The Alamo Defense” story which now appears in this issue of the CUB magazine. When he found that I had solicited individual stories from the men (who belong to the Association) of the 589th, he asked that I forward him copies, so that he could refresh his memory. In the meantime he has received individual resumes’ from the men.  While he did not prepare a resume’ ,for himself, such as you have just read, I am going to recite some comments from his letters because I feel they are pertinent to  the facts revealed in the preceding stories from the men of the 589th. They follow below ... editor)

GOLDSTEIN:
As to the story “The Alamo Defense:

“ I don’t believe we elected to make an ”Alamo Defense." I am indebted to Charlie Jacelon for making available his diary. He says the decision was made in an exchange between Major Arthur Parker and me." We never had 300 soldiers at the same time. Reinforcement came at different times and left at other times.

I am not sure we recognized where we stood in the “Big Picture.” Our orders were to set up a road block to protect the Division’s supply lines. According to the “After Action Report” the 325th Glider Infantry was late in arriving to relieve us. When they finally went forward of our line to dig in, they took heavy fire and were driven back. We waited for them to reorganize and take positions. They did not accomplish this until after dark. We waited until the next day to leave. At that time it was not possible.

Additional points: We had great difficulty in maintaining radio and telephone communication. It was for that reason that both Major Parker and I had to go back to the nearest headquarters to go over our position and get orders. Similarly, Captains Brown and Huxel had to go direct to the guns to give orders.

As to failure to recognize what we accomplished, we received no commendations for our action after the battle. The only comment I recall receiving from Division Artillery was it was disgraceful that we had not blown our guns. I was able to get the Silver Star for Major Parker, writing the recommendation myself. We didn't get a lot of support in getting decorations for the many others who deserved them.

To sum it up I think the concept that we determined to set up an “Alamo Defense” is overstated. We selected to set up a road block, and circumstances beyond our control kept us there. As I look back on it, I’m amazed at the determination and courage shown by the entire group. After all we were trained as artillery men, and we had to fight as infantry. I would guess that you could say we had on-the-job training.

(I agree with Major Goldstein, but want to point out that “The Alamo Defense” was written for a Fort Sill, Field Artillery School writing contest, and that the concept did add flavor to a story, that would have fallen flat if written as an “After Action Report.” In its sense it followed the battle, but added some some interest to attract the reader's attention. The 589th did  fight “like a barn full of cats” and it was a thorn in the side of the German 2nd SS Panzer Division. I give credos to both the Majors, Parker and Goldstein and their men, as well as the author of “The Alamo Defense.” At least it was his story that excited this editor and brought all these pages to the attention of the readers 106th Infantry Division Association's CUB magazine..

In a February 1997 letter to Goldstein and the seven 589th FAB men who supplied me with information I stated, “The 106th doesn't have many groups, like yours, that participated in similar actions. Most of us were put on ice so fast that we had no opportunity. The legend of Baraque de Fraiture is strong and makes authors want to give credit to a group of men who stood “Tall” in the chaos of those dark days.” ... J. Kline)

Goldstein relates in a March 1997 letter:

“First of all and for a preface as to what follows, 23 December 1944 was one of the saddest days of my life. My attempts to bring reinforcements to Parker’s Crossroads and my inability to get back was a heartbreaking failure on my part.

Now, and as I reviewed it then, I had no choice but to take the actions I did. We had been told, based on prisoner interrogation, that we would be attacked on the evening of December 23. That morning we took the measures necessary for our defense shifting troops to the south and east, moving the tank destroyer towed guns inside the perimeter and making preparations for the armored force (82nd Airborne - editor's note) to enter the position.

We had no telephone or radio communications with any other unit. I don’t remember with whom I discussed the necessity of leaving to request help and for coordination with the armored force. After doing so, at 13:00 hours I left for Colonel Richardson’s C.P. in the direction of Manhay. I do not recall the discussions at his headquarters, but I have a recollection that at the conclusion, two men, at least one of whom was an officer, was directed to return with me to Parker’s Crossroads. I do not recall who from the 589th accompanied me on this mission. As we approached the Crossroads, we were fired on by a tank. We dived into the woods on our left and attempted to get to the Crossroads through the woods. At that time, which was, according to the after action report, at 15:20 hours, an enemy barrage commenced. Shells were exploding in the trees above us, we had difficulty getting through the woods. When we got in view of the Crossroads, the garrison was surrounded, and we were unable to proceed further."

(In support of Major Goldstein’s explanation I submit to the readers, part of letter written by General Gavin, 82nd Airborne Division  to Major Parker in 1980:... editor)

Quoting Gen. Gavin:

“ I was in the town of Fraiture (one mile northeast of Baraque de Fraiture) the afternoon you made your great stand at the crossroads.

“I had sent a Company from the 325th under Captain Woodruff, to the crossroads to help hold it, so I started over in that direction myself. The fire was so intense, however, that there was no way of getting there without crawling through the woods, and it was still some distance away.

“I decided that I had better get more help, so I sent to the extreme left flank of the division for the 2nd Battalion of the 504th, where it had the 1st SS Regiment of the First Panzer Division bottled. In doing so, we uncovered the Germans and during the night of Christmas Eve they slipped through the 505th Parachute Infantry.

“Nevertheless, I got the 2nd Battalion of the 504th to backup the crossroads, come what may.

“That stand your defenders made at the crossroads was one of the greatest actions of the war.”

“It gave us at least a twenty-four hour respite, so I thank you and all the brave soldiers who were under your command for that.”

With best Regards, signed James M. Gavin

Lieutenant General, USA (Ret)

END........

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