Malmedy: A Pic of Two Veterans Who Moved Me

I've been scanning a few pictures today when I came across these two fellows who gave a talk to our WWII History group in Central Pennsylvania two years back. On the left is Sketch Mearig, on the right, Harold Billow. Both are survivors of the Malmedy massacre. I can honestly say that I've not been moved to any greater sense of honor than when I took these two guys to dinner and just soaked up their presence/remembrances. I can remember as a kid how I read about the event with disgust and here I was, hearing from them firsthand about this atrocity. Both fellows claim that Peiper was there, in his tank, and said something about 'it's a long way to Tipperary, boys.' Hair stood up on my deck as I thought about this. Harold buried himself under bodies, and tried not to breath heavily for fear of his breath being seen by Polish SS volunteers who went around delivering coup de graces via pistol with some joviality. He is wearing his original WWII uniform.

Sketch died recently, Harold is doing okay, I believe. Both men were angry (this isn't the right word, none that I know fit) with a commentor in the States, Bill O'Reilly, who claimed that Malmedy never occur. Good grief.

Fix

 

I'm not surprised by Bill O'Reilly's comments, and lack of knowledge - what does one expect from a Fox news presenter?

And I can understand their anger - the postwar trials and subsequent outcomes were a farce

Malmedy massacre trial - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

A pair of lucky men who have had to live with their memories and then hear idiots like O'Reilly claim what they survived never happened. A dishonour to them and the men who were murdered.

 

I like Bill O" Reily, I like to watch him on tv.

 

Aren't these two brave men your fellow countrymen ???

 

John, It is okay to disagree with someone on one thing and still agree with the body of their work.

 

I see what you mean. A bet each way.
John

 

Affirmative. All Yanks. Moreover, we all live(d) in a 10 mile radius of Central Pennsylvania. Interestingly, there was a third Malmedy survivor who died years back also living in the area. Strange in that there were so few survivors. I should mention (bragging a bit here folks), that my neighbor is Major Dick Winters of the Band of Brothers fame. This area has seen many WWII vets settle in after the hostilities.

 

I wish someone would throw O’Reilly somewhere and get it over with …. the man is nuts ! don't think he did his homework ... did he ??

Dec. 17, 1944 - Massacre at Malmedy

I found this .....

 

Dick Winners lives in Palmyra I think.?

 

Unlike Europe America is still half Conservative.:common001:

 

I like Bill O'Reilly, but I only agree with him about half the time. He's pro-life but also anti-death penalty. He's one of the few persons in his business who have the courage of his convictions. He also has the guts to ask people the hard questions. I get sick of watching politicians fielding softball questions from most of the other commentators, unless they are Republicans, at which time they are excoriated.

That's why I watch him.

 

Hi Einzelkampfer, Nice to know there is a conservative on here. I also like Glenn Beck, and Rush Limbaw. :clapping:

 

Not only that I also live in P.A.

 

Hi War Hawk: Mr. Winters has a residence in Hershey and a farm in Fredericksburg (hope I got the spelling right, the town near Lebanon). He's stopped giving lectures and appearances.

Regards, Fix

 

War Hawk: Forgot to ask where yer from. I'm in Palmyra, but Derry Township.

F

 

I live in Lebanon P.A.