i was a colonel, chief of staff and chief of staff to alexander r. bowlingh we received was of the very best. the individuals clear down to the squad level were indoctrinated, instructed exactly what their jobs were to be. there is no question that that we had very much confidence that we'd be able to carry out this mission. i know also that the regiments the battalions of the companies and the platoons and squads had that same feeling of confidence. >> the 84th division would be supported by the british on the left and the american 2nd armored and infantry on the right. facing them were a number of divisions and crack panzer units. at precisely five minutes to 7:00 on the morning of november 18th, an ar rilry ryartillery barrage signaled the attack had commenced. >> gellenkirchen was three miles from where we were. our regiment was leading the attack and i happened to be in the first platoon and the first squad of the first platoon and so happened that i was the first scout. so i was first. and we came through a little woods and out on to a sport lot. so we

war ii, i was a colonel, chief of staff of the 84th infantry division and chief of staff for alexander r. bowling the commanding general of the 84th infantry division. >> the river crossing was one of the most thoroughly rehearsed crossings of any unit in the european theater. the original crossing date was to be 10 february. but it was postponed because the germans flooded the area. so we then had about two more weeks to work out details very thoroughly and to rehearse all the units for the overall operation. >> it's amazing that we got across the river considering the confusion that takes place during preparations for the attack. if you can imagine it being pitch dark with a narrow road with huge trucks with the assault bridges to come later and a narrow strip available to move up troops through. when you consider the horrible noise of the artillery preparation which lasted for 45 minutes prior to our crossing, during which time commands can't be heard and it's very difficult to give any orders and expect them to be carried out. >> the germans had constructed a rather wide band of wire -- barbe