99 Infantry Battalion (Separate) (USA) beginning of Ardennes offensive in Malmedy
On the fateful 17th of December, 1944 the Ardennes offensive was launched. The Battalion was alerted and proceeded immediately by truck from Tilff to Malmedy to check the advance of the onrushing German hordes in that sector. Task Force Hansen consisting of the 526th Armored Infantry Battalion, "B" Company of the 825th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate), was formed for this mission. Malmedy was completely bereft of Allied forces on Sunday the 17th of December except for approximately 60 engineer troops who had chosen to stay and attempt to hold the enemy until combat troops could be moved up. Into the still, rainy darkness of this almost deserted town moved the 99th immediately aware of the unfriendly attitude of the inhabitants. From darkened windows and doorways the pro-Nazi population watched silently, smirking and secure in the knowledge that this mere handful men could not stop the picked forces of the great Von Runstedt. Had they not been told that this was the turning point of the war? That this was the long awaited knock-out blow of the disorganized, yet hitherto victorious rabble that constituted the American armies in the field? Had not the gigantic successes achieved in the previous few hours more than assured them of their ultimate victory? And now a handful of soldiers arrive, uncertain even of the situation, to halt this mighty offensive.