As the 15th
Regiment approaches the town of Holtzwihr, France near the Rhine River, the
battalion commander pays Lieutenant Murphy an unexpected visit.
He tells the lieutenant that he and his men have the mission of defending an area
just west of Holtzwihr, France known as the Colmar Pocket. The Germans are trying
to push the Allied Forces out of this area in order to seize a critical
roadway. Lieutenant Murphy's Company will be assisted by Able and Charlie
Companies on its right and left flanks. Lieutenant Murphy will also have
two M10 Tank Destroyers placed under his control. Despite the fact
that Baker Company now is severely understrength due to heavy casualties,
Lieutenant Murphy acknowledges his orders without any hesitation.
(Historical note: although this point was not made in the movie, Baker
Company, which was authorized 120 men at full strength only had 18
soldiers remaining as it entered the Battle of the Colmar Pocket).
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