Viking Magazine - August 2021 - 30

for their role in the crusade across
Europe. Their fi rst orders directed
them towards Cherbourg, where the
Germans continued to hold onto this
strategically important port city.
But the fi rst real test of battle
happened at Elbeuf, France, at a
vital crossing of the Seine just north
of Paris on August 25-26, 1944.
Having truly engaged in combat with
the enemy, the 99th began to lose
men from the original unit. Many
of the replacements did not speak
Norwegian, signifi cantly changing the
nature of the unit.
After marching through France, the
men of the 99th were ordered to move
into Belgium. They made a name for
themselves, helping to lead attacks
on areas held by Germans, stopping
counterattacks and clearing out
German fortifi cations. Their speed and
effi ciency in battle was noticed when
an offi cer of the 2nd Armored Division
claimed, " This is the only damned
Infantry outfi t in the world that tanks
have to worry about keeping up with. "
The Battle of the Bulge
After helping to seize Aachen, the fi rst
German city to be captured, the 99th
was sent for a well-deserved rest in
Belgium. Unfortunately, this was a
short-lived respite-on December 17
The Brave 99th
Dec. 17, 1944
Battle of the Bulge, fought at
Malmedy (Belgium).
Jan. 26, 1945
Assigned to the new 474th
Infantry Regiment.
Left: Soldiers
on a break
during their
30 days on
the line in
The Battle of
the Bulge.
Left: The 99th
Battalion with
the 474th
Regiment
moving
through
France and
Germany,
Spring 1945.
April 15-18, 1945
Moves Nazi treasure
from Merkers
Mine with the
Monuments Men.
Right: Generals Patton,
Bradley and Eisenhower view
priceless paintings the Nazis
stole and stored in salt mines
during the war. The 474th
transported stolen art and
gold from the salt mine.
the Germans began their Ardennes
offensive, better known as the Battle
of the Bulge. Due to its strategic
importance, the 99th defended
the crossroads city of Malmedy
in Belgium. After a few days of
skirmishes with German soldiers, the
99th proved their valor by stopping a
major attack from the 1st SS Panzer
Division.
Above: A soldier of the 99th Battalion,
identifi ed by family as Adolf S.
Sudland (B Co.) celebrating victory
with a Belgian boy in the town of As.
Below: Men of the 99th marching up
Karl Johans gate, Oslo, towards the
Royal Palace, as part of a celebration
for the allied nations that helped end
the German Occupation.
In the early morning of December
21, in what was described as a
fanatical attack, German forces poured
into the 99th's area and came within a
matter of feet of their strongpoint. But
due to determination and training, the
99th held on and forced this German
attack back, helping to stop Germany
from obtaining some of its major goals
during the Battle of the Bulge.
Making Their Mark in Germany
After 30 days of front-line duty during
the Battle of the Bulge, the 99th was
ordered back to the French coast where
they were folded into the new 474th
Infantry Regiment (Separate). As part
of the new Regiment, the 99th joined
General Patton's army heading into
Germany. While only having small
encounters with the Germans, it was
during this time that the 99th became
involved in two unique situations that
helped defi ne the war in Europe.
30 VIKING AUGUST 2021
sonsofnorway.com
PHOTOS COURTESY 99TH INFANTRY BATTALION (SEP) WWII EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ARCHIVES
http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - August 2021

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