Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:07 | Robert L. Harris recalls engaging in intense combat for the first time in the town of Simmerath, Germany, on Dec. 10, 1944, while his battalion was making their way into Germany to gain control of important dam structures.
Robert L. Harris describes what was going through his mind when he first faced combat as a replacement during World War II.
Robert L. Harris recalls engaging in intense combat for the first time in the town of Simmerath, Germany, on Dec. 10, 1944, while his battalion was making their way into Germany to gain control of important dam structures.
Finding themselves nearly surrounded by German infantry, Robert L. Harris describes the fighting and horrible weather conditions during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944.
After his unit captured the town of Schmidt, Germany, Robert L. Harris recalls a close encounter with German Tiger tanks in February of 1945.
Robert L. Harris shares an example of how quickly tragedy could strike during artillery attacks.
Robert L. Harris describes in detail the events leading up to the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, the strategic importance of the bridge to Allied forces, and the subsequent destruction of the bridge by German troops in March of 1945.
Robert L. Harris comments on American troops occasionally shooting German prisoners, and one instance where German troops showed compassion for wounded U.S. troops.
