The 'Colmar Pocket' is often referred to as the 'forgotten war'. It was the last German bridgehead In France, stretching 40 miles long and 30 miles deep, from the Rhine up into the Voges mountains behind Colmar. When the order came to clear the pocket, five French and two U.S. divisions, (the 3rd and 28th), faced eight divisions of 'Heeresgruppe Oberrhein', committed to a do or die defence.
This guided 3 and 1/2 hour tour visits special places in the battlefield and retraces the course of the 3rd Division, where you'll hear the stories of the events that took place recounted.
Although WW II history, the tour gives information about Alsace in general. It stops in beautiful medieval villages, following the scenic Alsace wine trail and taking you through its vineyard clad hills. It also offers spectacular views of the Vosges mountains, the Rhine Valley and the 'Black Forest'. On the valley floor you will pass through (now) tranquil, picturesque countryside and hear about the UNESCO listed Louis XIVth fortress town of Neuf Brisach.
Formed in 1917, the U.S. Third Division was dubbed the 'Rock of the Marne' after repelling an attack by two German divisions, saving the Marne river and Paris in 1918.
During World War II, steadfast determination saw the 3rd through eight campaigns in seven countries and four amphibious landings (Morocco, Sicily, Anzio and St. Tropez). The last of these landings brought them up the Rhone Valley, into the Vosges Mountains of Alsace, Strasbourg and the Colmar Pocket.
On January 22 1945 in 'Siberian' conditions, the 3rd moved out from the relative safety of the Vosges foothills onto the exposed Rhine Valley floor, coursed by rivers, streams and an ensconced enemy. The plan was to bypass the city of Colmar and drive on to bridges at Neuf Brisach and the Rhine supplying the German forces. After setbacks and sacrifices, they reached their objective on the 6th February 1945. Learn more about the division on this tour.
Audie Murphy said that the 'real' heroes were those, who were awarded the 'wooden crosses'. However, the people of Holtzwihr, just outside Colmar, erected a memorial to honour his role in the liberation of their village. It is located near the spot where Audie made a one-man stand atop a burning tank against a counter-attack by German heavy tanks and infrantry, on the 26th of January 1945. He prevailed and re-organised his company (Co. B, 1st Battalion, 15th Reg, 3rd Division), to chase the attackers back into Holtzwihr.
Holtzwihr fell to the Americans the following day and Lt. Murphy was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour and also made a Chevalier d'Honneur by France for his action.
The memorial is also meant to remind us of the sacrifices of those on the front lines, and the price of the freedom we enjoy today.