Kaltenhouse Remembered

“A gripping story of combat in WWII in France as seen through the eyes of Norm Thompson, an ordinary foot soldier. We are drawn into a view of the war that extends only to the range of Thompson’s weapon. Cold and exhausted with no hot chow and the constant fear of the dreaded German artillery, he and others of the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division valiantly defend their positions and ultimately defeat Hitler’s last great offensive, Operation Nordwind. I highly recommend this book.” –Brigadier General Paul Genereux (retired), Chairman, 42nd Rainbow Division Veteran’s Foundation

“Norman Thompson was an accomplished artist, both with paintbrushes and the written word. ‘Kaltenhouse Remembered, ‘ now republished, recounts in chilling (January 1945) detail the shift southward of major units of the U.S. 7th Army from the Hatten-Rittershoffen battle sector to a new MLR (Main Line of Resistance) along the Moder River stretching from Haguenau to Kaltenhouse for the 242nd Regiment of the 42nd Rainbow Division. Norm’s book vividly portrays the ordeals of the men of his rifle company (G Company, 242nd Infantry, 42nd Rainbow Division) during the 20 kilometer forced march from the Hatten-Rittershoffen area to the Moder River Line and Kaltenhouse, and the following victory against the enemy attack, Hitler’s final major offensive in Western Europe. ‘Kaltenhouse Remembered’ is highly recommended for its authenticity and insight of a combat infantryman in battle.” –Dee R. Eberhart, WWII Veteran, Co I, 242nd Infantry, 42nd Rainbow Division – Liberator, Dachau, 1945

First published in the 1980s, ‘Kaltenhouse Remembered’ is a factual account of the U.S. Army’s 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division’s operations in France during January 1945, where the Americans repulsed the final German offensive of the war on the Western Front. Written by infantryman Norm Thompson, the book provides a unique perspective on the battles that occurred at and in the vicinity of Kaltenhouse, France, that culminated with the American victory. The book also features an interview given by Thompson in 1995 that was not included in the original publication where Thompson describes in detail his part in the liberation of the Dachau-Allach concentration camps that occurred with the participation of the 42nd Infantry Division on April 29 and 30, 1945. This book is ideal for veterans, enthusiasts, and historians who will find this first-hand account of an astute observer a fascinating read that recounts one of the deadliest phases of WWII.