A Tribute to Edsel Vincent Colvin June. 2014 | Page 12

The squad members took turns occupying the foxholes were they could
see across the valley. Edsel had noticed a trail along the high along a
mountain on the other side of the valley. He kept his eye on that trail to see if
anyone used it. The third day he spotted a squad of Germans carrying large
packs on their backs. He told his squad leader right away. The squad leader
ordered for artillery fire on the trail the next time Germans used it. Edsel was
to give the order. Edsel saw another squad of Germans on the trail and told his
squad leader. The squad leader radioed in and the order was given. Every
German on the trail was caught in the artillery fire. The Germans never used
the trail again.
After they were in this location for about 5 days, they were told that
there would be an attack made by another company of their regiment. The
regiment would be going right through where they were positioned. At the
break of dawn American soldiers started pouring out of the hills behind them
in an attempt to cross the valley. Devastating fire came from almost every
weapon known to man. They were hit with artillery, mortars, machine guns,
rifles, and anti-aircraft guns used as if they were rifles. Edsel watched as he
saw American soldiers being mowed down as fast as they got into the open. He
saw dead and wounded GI’s everywhere. When medics were called for, they
were shot down as well.
Eventually American artillery and mortars were able to take out the
German artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and machine guns. Another company in
Edsel’s regiment now had another chance to make it across the valley and
engage the German riflemen. The American soldiers ended up finally routing
the Germans. This ended Edsel’s first week in combat by the luck of the draw,
Edsel did not have to try and make his way across the valley.
Edsel and his crew were to move on foot to a town that was held by the
Germans. They were to be completely silent and were to use no light. They
came out of the forest and out into the open were they had an excellent view of
the town. They were suddenly attacked by an artillery barrage. The Germans
were firing at them with 88’s and with larger shells. Soldiers all around Edsel
were getting hit and the ground under him was being he hit. He escaped the
fire luckily. A significant amount of men were killed and wounded. Edsel lost
some of his best friends from this attack.