counterattacks were beaten off several times daily by our sharp shooting infantryman. By the 22nd
Dillingen was ours. The 345th had poured five thousand 100 pound shells in and around the town.
During those last few days we heard disturbing rumors that swiftly become facts. Up north of
us in the Ardennes the Germans were counterattacking in strength. Other divisions nearby were moving
north. The 3rd Army was moving north. Soon perhaps we too would go, but for the time being and
90th Division received orders to evacuate Dillingen and hold along the west bank of the Saar. The
Infantry made sure that Dillingen would be of no use to the enemy even if they did reoccupy the town.
Then our Doughs slipped back over the river under artillery cover. The 345th then moved to Betting.
Christmas day passed, and New Years found us still in position in Betting. We listened
anxiously but calmly to the radio to find out how our troops in the Ardennes were doing. Snow was on
the ground and the weather was getting colder. We figured that the 90th would soon join the other
American divisions of the 3rd Army who were so valiantly attacking the “Bulge”. Every now and then
low flying enemy planes would come in over our area and strafe or bomb. One dropped an egg in the C
Battery area to cover up a tractor with dirt. Lt. Buntain brought down an ME 109 as it flew over his
machine gun near Waldwisse.
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