Many of the new troops that were being sent over were fresh nineteen year old recruits that had never seen battle. This presented a problem for the troops, especially those in easy company as they were mostly a hinderence than a help. [pg 168] Many of the two year veterans looked absolutely meanicing to the new recruits. They also showed the new recruits no respect or gave them any slack. On the eve of Operation market Garden, Easy company was mostly new as many of its old members were either injured or attained positions of rank in other companies.
While the assault by Hitler was great, the allies were able to gain the upper hand because of their secret weapon that they used. They drove over 11 000 trucks and vehicles onto the battlefields with over 60 000 men and ammunition. [pg 174]
The siege of Bastogne, had to be the worst campaign for Easy company. Unfortunately, they were forced to defend on the assaulting German forces in December. Under the heavy snow and harsh and bitter cold weather, Easy company stood their ground. Even on New Years, the German's kept their brutal assault up. However, Easy company continued to hold the area and never allowed them to cross the line. [pg 197]
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