tao1776

Stalag IX-B is usually regarded as the worst of the German camps that held American POWs. Incredible over crowding, deplorable facilities and starvation diets were responsible for broad scale death through starvation, disease and overexposure. Guards brutalized captives, mostly privates from the American Army.. The war is nearly over when in April 1945, an unusual and dangerous order is issued to the 2nd Battalion – 114th Regiment, U.S. 44th Infantry Division. Break through the German lines and drive north over 60 kilometers through enemy held territory to Bad Orb and liberate the POWs interned at the infamous prison camp Stalag IX-B. In short order a mechanized task force is organized, reinforced with light tanks and armored cars from the 106th Calvary Group and Company 'C’ with the lethal “Slugger” tank destroyers from the respected 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion. The daring mission is launched on April 2, 1945. Speed of advance was critical. Task force orders were avoid contact