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"Task Force Hogan moved out on 20 December [1944] to
seize the crossings of the Ourthe [Belgium] between Goufy and
Houffalize and to contact friendly elements on his right. He
met strong enemy elements of armor and infantry supported by
artillery and mortar fire. Due to the danger of being surrounded,
Hogan was ordered to withdraw north to Beffe."
"In Beffe, Hogan was receiving strong attacks from both
the north and southeast. He was very short of gasoline, and cut
off from supplies. After beating off determined attacks all day,
Hogan fought his way to Marcouray, which was on high ground.
He secured the town and set up all-around defense. Arrangements
were made to air-drop supplies to him the next day."
"Task Force Hogan remained surrounded in Marcouray. C-47's
attempted to drop supplies to him but missed."
"Task Force Hogan remained cut off. Air supplies dropped
missed him again."
"A German officer had visited Hogan and demanded surrender.
Hogan refused the ultimatum and continued to defend his position."
"The troops of Task Force Hogan beat back enemy patrols,
taking a few prisoners. They were in position to observe the
enemy's movements and direct artillery fire on German columns
and installations."
"Casualties suffered in Marcouray were relatively light
but the situation looked almost helpless when the division ordered
Task Force Hogan to destroy all equipment in place and return
on foot to the American lines."
"All equipment had to be destroyed without burning or
demolition to avoid attracting attention. Motors were run without
oil and with sugar added to the gasoline. Sand and dirt was put
into transmissions and other moving parts. Weapons were rendered
useless by destroying and burying certain parts. When this was
finished about dark, the task force started north in groups of
20 at 20 minute intervals with only individual arms and such
personal equipment as they felt able to carry over ten miles
of wooded, snow-covered mountains. The wounded had to be left
behind. A medical officer, a dental officer, and several aid
men volunteered to stay with them. The prisoners were guarded
by one of the less seriously wounded. By noon the following day
all but a few of the 400 had returned safely and reequipping
was under way."
[NOTE: In "Saga," Dugan does not include accounts
of the harrowing moments and close-calls faced by many of the
400 on the night passage. Efforts will be made by Website Staff
to retrieve such first-person accounts from various archives.]
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