Leavenworth Times
Leavenworth, Kansas
October 12, 2010

Leavenworth, Kan. — Many Leavenworth citizens will be surprised to know that quietly in the community lives 86-year-old, Roy HOLLAND, a U.S. Army veteran.

Not just any veteran but a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge.

HOLLAND was born on April 28, 1924, in Diagonal, Iowa.

At the age of 9, HOLLAND'S parents relocated the family to Leavenworth. HOLLAND joined the U.S. army at age 21. Soon after boot-camp, HOLLAND was own his way to serve in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

The Battle of the Bulge took place Dec. 16, 1944 – Jan. 25, 1945, and it was the largest battle fought by the Americans in World War II. More than 600,000 American troops were involved in the battle. The Americans lost 81,000 men while the Germans lost 100,000 killed, wounded and captured. According to the Battle of the Bulge Veterans Association, there are less than 5,000 surviving veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

Following the American, British, and Canadian invasion of the European coast at Normandy, with the additional Allied gains in France, the German Army seemed to be in full retreat, until HITLER, in a desperate attempt to reverse the tide of the war in the West, wagered the attack on allied forces.

Suddenly, on the morning of Dec. 16, 1944, the Germans attacked the U.S. Army from the Ardennes Forest with units of the German Army, and the German Waffen SS. The initial attack on the Allies was fierce. American troops, often waded through deep snow drifts, in order to attack the sides of the shrinking bulge until they had restored the front and set the stage for the final drive to victory.

"It was bitterly cold and as snow fell, the battle forged on. We had to sleep in "pups" two man tents in the middle of camp and we dug fox holes for protection," HOLLAND said.

HOLLAND also recalled the duty of "mine detection," when he and a few other soldiers would go out before the battery, with the commander and dig gun holes and search for buried mines.

"Our purpose was to protect the troops and the bridges," HOLLAND said.

HOLLAND expressed his gratitude for family and faith during the time of war. Family letters and care packages would boost morale in the camp.

"When a soldier received a care package, he would share with the entire battery," HOLLAND said. In addition to family letters and care packages, Holland said, the chaplain also played a major role during the battle. They would often build an altar out of the hood of a jeep, and would even conduct mass in nearby caves. HOLLAND also expressed the camaraderie amongst the troops and the unconditional love and support from Americans was undeniably the greatest part of the victory.

"When I'm out at the VA, wearing my hat with the Battle of the Bulge pin, people often stop me and thank me for my service," said HOLLAND.

Today Mr. HOLLAND continues to keep in contact with remaining Battle of the Bulge veterans and families.

His children also support veterans, His son, Robert HOLLAND, is a member of the Sons of American Legion. His daughter, Terese MEREDITH, is an associated member of the Battle of the Bulge Association.

"I try and keep in contact with my friends, many have passed away, but the memories, will always be there."

British Prime Minister Sir Winston CHURCHILL stated, "This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory."

In a report, honoring WWII veterans, a family friend, Ana CLINE wrote this about Mr. HOLLAND "He was willing to tell his story and talk about his experiences, he has given me a new perspective on the war."

HOLLAND is also greatly respected in the community for his volunteer work.

"Mr. HOLLAND, along with his wife, volunteered for many years for Saint John Hospital, installing Lifeline units in the homes of hundreds of senior citizens. He was always there with a smile and kind word for everyone," said former social worker, Joanne PREISINGER.

To learn more about Mr. HOLLAND and his time in service, individuals can visit the National World War II website at www.wwiimemorial.com.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2010