The Huertgen Forest defenses of the Nazis were meticulously and diabolically planned. They, with the Ruhr River positions, constituted the Eastern-most section of the Siegfried system. Capture of Huertgen, followed by crossing the Ruhr would mean that the much vaunted German West Wall had been completely crushed.The Germans intended to use Huertgen not only as a defensive structure but also as an area from which to launch part of their Argonne offensive later.
Paul Boesch, leading “G” Company of the 121st Infantry through screaming shells and deadly small arms fire captured a vantage point on the edge of the town of Huertgen. There, completely surrounded, he demonstrated outstanding leadership. He and his depleted company hung onto this valuable conquest and their unconquerable determination gave a springboard from which the final attack was successfully launched.