Military

Battle of Hürtgen Forest: Thanksgiving Day in the ‘Green Hell’

November 26, 2020Matt Fratus
Battle of Hürtgen Forest Thanksgiving coffee or die

A hot turkey dinner in a muddy foxhole was an unimaginable thought for the soldiers of the US Army 121st Infantry Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division. Sept. 16, 1944, marked the day that six infantry divisions of the US Army penetrated the Hürtgen Forest, a dense and rugged region near the German-Belgium border that stretched nearly 6 miles wide, in a bloody effort to march farther into Germany’s heartland and win the war by Christmas. The decision ultimately led to one of the most costly defeats ever suffered by the US Army. 


Tanks from the 5th Armored Division and other vehicles were no match for the heavily wooded forests and slippery, hilly roads. Land mines were littered all across the ground to target infantry troops, and the Germans had prepared fighting positions with dug-in bunkers. The Battle of Hürtgen Forest — or what soldiers referred to as the Green Hell — raged for three months, and American GIs suffered nearly 33,000 casualties during the battle. There were no strategic gains or operational values. 


The misery, bloodshed, exhaustion, and violence nearly decapitated the morale of the US Army. Despite the hardships the soldiers faced, their celebration on Thanksgiving Day — Nov. 23, 1944 — further added to their frustration.


Battle of Hürtgen Forest Coffee or Die
Paul Boesch was awarded two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery and leadership through the course of the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. Photo courtesy of slamwrestling.net.

First Lt. Paul Boesch, a former professional wrestler before the war, picked up a field telephone to hear the words Happy Thanksgiving through the speaker. “We’ve got a hot turkey dinner here for every man in the outfit.”


“Are you guys nuts?” Boesch replied to the staff officer. “It’s almost dark and my carrying parties have already made the trip up the hill with rations and water. I can’t send them up there again. Besides, they can’t feed a hot meal in the positions they’re in now. Good God, they’re right on top of the Jerries.”


With little cover except for their foxholes, a carrying party arrived at the company command post at the front lines with bags of turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and cigars. Just as they were delivering the turkey, a German artillery barrage targeted the hill, and soon the wounded were being carried off of it. 


“What the hell happened?” Boesch asked.


“Just when we got there with the goddamn turkey,” one of the men told him, “the artillery began to come. A lot of guys were killed or wounded, Lieutenant. They need some litter bearers up there, need ’em bad.”


The meager attempt to bring a sense of home to the battlefield had backfired — another day for the infantry in the Green Hell.



Matt Fratus
Matt Fratus

Matt Fratus is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die. He prides himself on uncovering the most fascinating tales of history by sharing them through any means of engaging storytelling. He writes for his micro-blog @LateNightHistory on Instagram, where he shares the story behind the image. He is also the host of the Late Night History podcast. When not writing about history, Matt enjoys volunteering for One More Wave and rooting for Boston sports teams.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
From the Team Room to Team Room Design: An Operator’s Creative Journey

BRCC partners with Team Room Design for an exclusive T-shirt release!

Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved