As all this was happening to the 424th, this was the picture in the sister regiments. The 422nd and 423rd:
As the Germans attacked 16 December, they cut in between the 424th, on the right, and the 422nd and 423rd on the left. As the Nazi attack pounded on, it hooked around St. Vith to the north and eventually surrounded the other two regiments. Both regiments ran out of food and ammunition and were forced to surrender, after a bitter fight.

In the defense thrown up by the 106th, the 424th received the strongest praise.Although on the secret list as far as the public was concerned, newspapers spoke of the “the green Division credited with splitting the Nazi drive at St. Vith.”

December 31st Star & Stripes said:
“At the important highway junction of St. Vith, one of the primary objectives of the German drive elements of the so called green Division made a heroic stand for several days.German intelligence had probably figured the untried men of this outfit would break and run in the face of a seemingly hopeless situation.As it was, they held against the best they enemy could hurl against them until ordered to withdraw.Von Runstedt’s timetable had miscarried already.”

The Division Commander, Brig. General Herbert F. Perrin directed that all troops of the 424th be assembled and the following read to them:

“The Commander of the 1st First Army and the 18th Corps compliment all officers and men of the 424th Infantry Regiment for their splendid accomplishment against the enemy in the last two weeks.Both the Army and Corps commanders want the personnel of the 424th Infantry to know they feel this regiment conducted itself fully upto the standards of the more seasoned troops in the line during that period.In addition, they have expressed the utmost confidence that the Division and the 424th will continue to reach these high attainments again in any duty they are called upon to perform in the near future.

“The Division commander is especially pleased at the opportunity for the regiment, assembled in the various battalion areas, to hear these words.He wishes it made known that he is proud of the conduct of the 424th in battle and reminds the regiment that the 424th now is carrying the colors for the entire division.

“The Regimental Commander adds his personal commendations to those on the higher headquarters.He expresses no doubt that the members of this regiment will continue to conduct themselves in future operations like to seasoned veterans they have become.”

After the relief from front-line action, the regimental CP.. moved to OCQUIER.The first Battalion went to OCHAIN and the 2nd and Antitank Company moved to WARZEE.Cannon and Service were at CLAVUER.

On 31 December, the first Battalion alerted one company and was furnished vehicles to completely motorize the unit against possible Airborne attack.

For the Commanding Officer:
Roy D. Underwood
Capt. 424th Infantry
Regimental Historian