THE LIBERATION & THE STORY OF THE ‘’KING OF LA GLEIZE’’

The Liberation of La Gleize39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry DivisionSeptember 12th, 1944

On the 12th of September, 1944, men of the 4th Cavalry on the right of the 9th Infantry Division had met opposition of varying strength as it approached Malmedy. With the objective to assist the 4th Cavalry, the 39th Regimental Combat Team was ordered to clear the area south of Stoumont and La Gleize. At 0711 hours, the 39th Regimental Combat Team (less 1st Battalion) moved out on its mission to the south, with the 3rd Battalion on the right and the 2nd Battalion on the left. During this advance, no contact was made with the enemy. La Gleize was taken without too much opposition, and the men of the 39th Regimental Combat Team arrived in the village as the first Liberators, soon followed by a group of tanks.