Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Lost Battalion

(France - Vosges Mountains)

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Lost Battalion Marker

Inscription. The 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, "Texas Division", Texas National Guard, was surrounded by German forces in the Vosges Mountains in France on 24 October 1944. They are known as the "Lost Battalion - Vosges Mountains". Against the advice of his senior officers, the 1st Battalion was committed to an engagement by Major General John E. Dahlquist. On 23 October 1944. The 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment spearheaded an attack against retreating Germans in eastern France. Unfortunately, the Germans had captured a map with the 36th Divisions battle plans and ordered a swift counter attack that cut off the 1st Battalion. 275 men from the 1st Battalion were cut off two kilometers behind enemy lines. Two failed attempts were made to rescue the 1st Battalion. For the next six days the 1st Battalion courageously fought off repeated attacks by the German Grenadier Regiment 933. A third rescue attempt was conducted by the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, a unit made up of Japanese Americans. The 100th Infantry Battalion fought from 26 October to 30 October 1944 to rescue the

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Lost Battalion and sustained incredible casualties. The 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment broke through German defenses and rescued 211 men. The 442nd sustained 814 casualties. The 442nd infantry regiment is the most decorated unit in US military history for its size and length of service. The 100th Infantry Battalion earned the nickname the Purple Heart Battalion. The motto of the 442nd Infantry Regiment is, "Go for broke". Of the 3,000 soldiers from the German Grenadier Regiment 933, only 80 survived. This is a testament to the brutality of the fighting and the heroism of the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division and the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is October 24, 1944.

Location. 31° 40.671′ N, 98° 59.492′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of Crockett Drive and Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north on Crockett Drive. The marker is located at the northwest section of the Camp Bowie Memorial

Lost Battalion Marker (far left large marker) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. Lost Battalion Marker (far left large marker)

Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2710 Crockett Dr, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Major General Fred L. Walker (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); UH-1 Huey Helicopter (here, next to this marker); "Fighting" 36th Infantry Division (here, next to this marker); Lest We Forget (here, next to this marker); World War II Memorial (here, next to this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Camp Bowie Parade Ground Flagpole (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Also see . . . 100th/442nd RCT and The Rescue of the Lost Battalion, October 1944. Go For Broke

Lost Battalion - 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Army - U.S. National Archives, October 31, 1944

3. Lost Battalion - 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division

Tired frontline infantrymen from a battalion cut off by the Germans for six days in the Belmont sector, France, warm themselves around a fire while waiting for transportation to the rear for a rest.

Organization

The battle for which the 442nd Regimental Combat Team is perhaps best known is the rescue of more than 200 men of the 141st Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, who were cut off from the rest of their regiment in the Vosges Mountains. The battle has attained almost legendary status in American history. The 442nd fought with such heroism and ferocity that the unit earned the eternal gratitude of the soldiers the men rescued and the profound admiration and respect of their fellow soldiers in the war. The 442nd and the 141st Infantry Regiment were both part of the 36th (Texas) Division under the command of Major General John Dahlquist. They were fighting in eastern France, near the German border.

(Submitted on July 14, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.