In December, 1944, as a replacement in the Infantry, I traveled to France and was assigned to the 80^th Division of General Patton’s 3^rd Army. My first assignment was as a stretcher bearer for 2 days, then I was sent to join an infantry platoon. During the next 3 months I was “Doc” to these men, remaining with them through the Battle of the Bulge, the Saar Palatinate, and Central Europe campaigns.

On the morning of March 22^nd, I was transferred to the 5^th Division. Near midnight, that company to which I had been newly assigned was sent to make a reconnaissance mission across the Rhine River near Hoffenheim, south of Mainz. General Patton wished to know enemy strength before making the first assault into Germany. The rubber boat I was in held 12 men and we had to paddle across, passing by a small island midstream. Unfortunately, the enemy tanks were waiting and my boat was hit, killing 7 of the 12.

Myself and another soldier, both wounded, were able to paddle to safety on that island. I administered help to those wounded after checking the men that didn’t make it. Then we managed to get to a bombed out farm house on the island where there was relative safety from the continued shelling by the German forces. At daybreak, I went to the west end of that island and from there the 5 of us were rescued and returned to the west bank. Because of my wounds, I was flown back to hospital in England. For my efforts that night, I received the Bronze Star (60 years later!).

Most recently, on June 4^th, the French government awarded 10 Bulge veterans the Legion of Honor medal at the state capital in Atlanta, GA. I felt much gratitude to the French people for this honor in recognizing all of us who served in that battle so many years ago.

One of the men with whom I served those 3 months was PFC Michael Lendino from Teaneck, NJ. Mike and I stayed in touch until he passed away 4 years ago. He was my best friend during those months and I would like to have his name listed in memoriam with the VBOB.

PFC Fred H. Moston, Combat Medic
317 Reg., 80th Div., 3rd Army