© Malcolm and Birgit Waddell * Waddell-Pflumm GbR * 79206 Breisach am Rhein, Germany
Formed in 1917, the U.S. Third Division was dubbed the ‘Rock of the Marne‘ after repelling
an attack by two German divisions, saving the Marne river and Paris in 1918. During
World War II, steadfast determination saw the 3rd through eight campaigns in seven
countries and four amphibious landings (Morocco, Sicily, Anzio
and St. Tropez). The last of these landings brought them up the
Rhone Valley, into the Vosges Mountains of Alsace, Strasbourg
and the Colmar Pocket.
Audie Murphy said that the real heroes
were those who didn‘t return. However,
the people of Holtzwihr, just outside Colmar,
erected a memorial to honour his role in the
liberation of their village. It is located near
the spot where Audie made a one-man stand
atop a burning tank against a counter-attack
by German heavy tanks and infantry, on the
26th of January 1945. He prevailed and
re-organised his company (Co. B, 1st Battalion,
15th Reg., 3rd Division), to chase the attackers
back into Holtzwihr.
Holtzwihr fell to the Americans the following
day and Lt. Murphy was later awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honour and also
made a Chevalier d‘Honneur by France for
his action.
The memorial is also meant to remind us of
the sacrifices of those on the front lines, and
the price of the freedom we enjoy today.
The ‘Colmar Pocket‘ is often referred to as
the ‘forgotten war‘. It was the last German
bridgehead in France, stretching 40 miles
long and 30 miles deep, from the Rhine up
into the Vosges mountains behind Colmar.
When the order came to clear the pocket,
five French and two U.S. divisions, (the 3rd
and 28th), faced eight divisions of ‘Heeresgruppe
Oberrhein‘, committed to a do or die defence.
This guided 3 hour tour visits the beautifully
appointed ‚Colmar Pocket Memorial Museum‘
and the American Memorial on Mt. Sigolsheim.
It then retraces the course of the 3rd Division,
pausing at significant places as they fought
their way to the Rhine bridges.
Although WWII history,
the tour gives information
about Alsace in general.
We follow the scenic
Alsace wine trail, taking
you through its vineyard
clad hills and medieval
villages. The tour has
spectaculour views and
beautiful scenery.
The U.S. Third Infantry Division
The Colmar Pocket
Audie Murphy Memorial
Winter 1944/1945
