Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Historic NY

(39,249 posts)
3. The Battling Bastards of Bastogne, no momma, no poppa, no Uncle Sam.
Sun Dec 14, 2014, 12:58 AM
Dec 2014

Poems by John F. McCullagh : 71 / 675
Bastogne


The longest darkness of the year
comes as Christmas is drawing near.
We dug and cursed the frozen ground
The snow was deep, more coming down.

We are surrounded and outgunned.
We’re short of food and winter gear.
Medicines are running out
and we have scores of wounded here.

I do believe my feet are frozen
I can no longer feel my toes.
But still I will not leave the line
What I ‘d give for a cuppa joe.

The sounds of Panzers in the wind-
Shouts heard in a guttural tongue-
We brace for yet one more attack
and vow we won’t be overrun.

We’re the battling bastards of Bastogne
No mother, no father, no Uncle Sam
The Germans came, we beat them back-
But now we’re a much smaller band.

When our surrender was demanded
They say McAuliffe told them nuts.
I’ve heard that Patton will relieve us
We’re waiting on “old blood and guts

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Thanks, steve! femmocrat Dec 2014 #1
my pleasure! nt steve2470 Dec 2014 #2
The Battling Bastards of Bastogne, no momma, no poppa, no Uncle Sam. Historic NY Dec 2014 #3
Now I know precisely where my granddad was 70 years ago today Nevernose Dec 2014 #4
My Daddy fought in that battle. nt Are_grits_groceries Dec 2014 #5
Thank you, steve Cha Dec 2014 #6
my pleasure, mahalo Cha nt steve2470 Dec 2014 #9
They threw nuts to the crowd in homage to General Anthony McAuliffe. Are_grits_groceries Dec 2014 #7
me too! nt steve2470 Dec 2014 #8
My father was there. greatauntoftriplets Dec 2014 #10
mine too steve2470 Dec 2014 #11
Mine was a mere Staff Sergeant. greatauntoftriplets Dec 2014 #12
it's all good, much respect for your daddy! :) nt steve2470 Dec 2014 #13
And to yours! greatauntoftriplets Dec 2014 #14
the Army wanted my dad to stay in also steve2470 Dec 2014 #15
Same with my father. greatauntoftriplets Dec 2014 #16
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Belgian royals mark the 7...»Reply #3