This was sent to Jim McAuliffe and the guys...
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I just watched a new movie on CD that would be of interest to 87th Division Vets. The Movie, SAINTS & SOLDIERS, was released in 2004 and picked up 14 Best Picture Awards at Film Festivals nationwide. Based on actual reports of the period [Dec1944/Jan1945], it is describing events in the area between St Vith and Malmedy, Belgium during the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge when German troops overran and massacred American troops at Malmedy. The 87th was in this very area.
Four very disparate soldiers from one infantry company who escaped the massacre are joined by a downed British Air Observer who has info regarding the German troop dispositions. A German soldier also figures in the story as do some Belgium civilians. The plot concerns their efforts to penetrate the German lines and deliver the critical info to the American Command which they do at considerable personal cost. In the process, all undergo personal stress and character transformations. Weather conditions in the movie are nearly identical to those we actually experienced at the time. Snow ab 1.5 to 2.0 ft deep and cold.
None of the actors are name actors however some might be recognized as bit players from other movies. I thought the movie was great as did my family, We got our copy via Blockbuster although others surely have it
Gerry Calehuff D345.
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"