Overview

He never planned on becoming a leader-or a hero . . . He never planned on becoming a leader-or a hero . . . In early October of 1944 Private William Meller was twenty years old. Joining I Company, 28th Division as a rifleman, he was indoctrinated on the front line to the horrors of fighting the battle-hardened German Wehrmacht in the wet, freezing cold of Huertgen Forest. In early November, while fighting with only rifles and grenades for three days and without food, water, or medical supplies, two hundred men of I Company were surrounded, killed, wounded, or captured. This created the only cease fire in World War 11. Meller and two GIs escaped to the American lines with the guidance of a German corporal. In early November, I Company was re-formed, with Meller as sergeant, squad leader, Second Platoon. They moved to the Ardennes and installed their outpost one half mile from the Siegfried Line on the German-Luxembourg border next to Walthausen. At 6-30 a.m. on December 16 the Panzer-Lehr German division crossed the Our River. Along with Staff Sergeant Meller - who was now the platoon leader - twelve men stopped the German amored infantry offensive until they ran out of ammunition and the Panther tanks arrived at 4-30 p.m. This was beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. Includes photos 'This is one of the finest combat memoirs I have ever read and I highly recommend it.'John. C. McManus, author of The Deadly Brotherhood and Grunts 'A true piece of outstanding literature, gripping and convincing. This is very rarely found. A masterpiece.'Christian Frey, TV director, German History Channel

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9780425259627

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Reviews

A gripping and deeply felt account of one infantryman's experience in WWII. Its lessons, however, transcend time and space to teach us about all wars and all warriors. -- Nathaniel Fick, New York Times bestselling author of One Bullet Away William Meller's journey from inexperienced dogface to hardened combat leader is a truly fascinating story that oozes with drama and authenticity. From the Huertgen to the Bulge to his days in captivity, Meller shares the emotion and trauma of a small-unit leader's experiences as few ever have. This is one of the finest combat memoirs I have ever read and I highly recommend it. --John C. McManus, author of The Deadly Brotherhood and Grunts William Meller is capable of transforming the harsh and bitter battle experience of the 1944 Huertgen Forest into a true piece of outstanding literature, gripping and convincing. This is very rarely found. A masterpiece. --Christian Frey, TV Director, German History Channel

A gripping and deeply felt account of one infantryman s experience in WWII. Its lessons, however, transcend time and space to teach us about all wars and all warriors. Nathaniel Fick, <i> New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>One Bullet Away</i> William Meller s journey from inexperienced dogface to hardened combat leader is a truly fascinating story that oozes with drama and authenticity. From the Huertgen to the Bulge to his days in captivity, Meller shares the emotion and trauma of a small-unit leader s experiences as few ever have. This is one of the finest combat memoirs I have ever read and I highly recommend it. John C. McManus, author of <i>The Deadly Brotherhood</i> and <i>Grunts</i> William Meller is capable of transforming the harsh and bitter battle experience of the 1944 Huertgen Forest into a true piece of outstanding literature, gripping and convincing. This is very rarely found. A masterpiece. Christian Frey, TV Director, German History Channel

Author Information

William F. Meller graduated from Gettysburg College in 1947 with a BA degree in liberal arts. Meller and his wife raised a family, and he enjoyed a successful business career. Now retired, he lives South Carolina.

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