Battle Babies: Story of the 99th Infantry Division

Battle Babies: Story of the 99th Infantry Division by Lauer, Walter E.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780898390896.

From the front flap of this 351 page book: "The 99th Infantry Division was activated in November 1942 at Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi. After nearly two years of training, the division began combat operations in France in early November 1944. On 16 December 1944, the division was engaged by a vastly superior force of German units who were attacking as part of Hitlers Ardennes campaign. Although outnumbered and relatively inexperienced, the 99th Division managed to hold the critical northern shoulder of the Battle of the Bulge, substantially delaying the German timetable. This determined effort and short service in combat resulted in the now famous nickname Battle Babies. In March 1945, the 99th Division resumed the attack with the famous Rhine crossing at Remagen. After holding off fierce German counter attacks to retake the bridge, the 99th played a major role in the reduction of the Ruhr Pocket. The division ended the war at the Inn River. [This book] is a tribute to the courage and determination of the men of the 99th Infantry Division. Although the divisions combat role lasted only six months, its professionalism and combat record was outstanding. General Lauer, who commanded the division throughout the war, makes the story of this fine unit come alive to all those interested in World War II."