Bastogne to Al QaQaa

In December 1944, Hitler ordered a desparate attack designed to separate the Allied Forces from Antwerp to Bastogne. With Allied air support grounded by unforgiving weather, the initial assault by the Germans sent the Allies reeling. On December 16, the 101st Airborne Division commanded by General Anthony McAuliffe was dispatched to the Ardenne Forrest with only one standing order, "Hold Bastogne". Under-supplied, under-armed and seriously outnumbered by the Germans, the 101st bravely dug-in to the frozen ground and defended the important logistical road junction at Bastogne. On December 22, with the 101st surrounded and cut-off from support, the Germans requested their surrender. General McAuliffe had only one reply, "NUTS". The 101st endure relentless shelling by the German forces through Christmas 1944 until reinforcements could arrive. They had accomplished their mission despite the incredible odds that they faced.

Fast forward a few decades to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 101st Airborne rolled into the much discussed ammunition bunker at Al QaQaa. Presidential Candidate John Kerry wants America to believe that this legendary army division failed in their duty to secure munitions at this facility. He sites as his evidence a letter from a disgruntled UN beaurocrat, a story by the New York Times (Jason Blair's former employer) and CBS (of Dan Rather Memogate fame). At best, we must assume that John Kerry is the worst sort of political oppotunist to impune these brave Troopers this way. More likely, it clearly demonstrates John Kerry's underlying contempt of our military (as demonstrated by his 1971 bogus testimony to the Fullbright Commission). Either way, this man should be soundly rejected in his bid to be Commander in Chief of the very troops he attacks.