When Germans Captured These Americans — One of Them Killed His Way Through 6 Bunkers
The Unyielding Valor of First Lieutenant Jack Treadwell: A Hero’s Charge
On March 18, 1945, at 09:15 AM, First Lieutenant Jack Treadwell found himself in a dire situation near Nether Warsbach, Germany. As he pressed his face into the frozen soil, he witnessed the harrowing sight of eight of his men being cut down on a barren hillside just 200 yards ahead. Treadwell, a 25-year-old officer with four years of military experience, understood the grave nature of the battle they faced. The Sigfried Line, a formidable German defensive position stretching 630 kilometers, was designed to thwart any infantry assault, turning it into a deadly endeavor.
The Battlefield Context
The Sigfried Line was fortified with 18,000 concrete bunkers, each equipped with interlocking fields of fire and machine guns that could decimate advancing troops. Treadwell had seen the devastating effects of German firepower in previous campaigns, such as Sicily and Anzio, where his unit, the 45th Infantry Division, endured heavy casualties. The Thunderbirds, as they were known, had been engaged in continuous combat for 511 days, and the men were weary yet resolute.
As Treadwell observed the battlefield, he recognized the tactical deadlock that had pinned Fox Company at the base of the hill since dawn. German artillery rained down sporadically, while machine gun fire swept the slope, leaving no room for movement. The hill was devoid of natural cover—no trees or rocks to shield the advancing soldiers. The situation was dire, and Treadwell knew that waiting would only lead to more casualties.
A Desperate Decision
After watching his men attempt to assault the hill in vain, Treadwell faced a grim reality. The six pillboxes at the top of the hill were formidable, each housing machine gun crews ready to unleash hell on any approaching soldiers. Standard military doctrine called for artillery support before an assault, but the concrete fortifications had withstood earlier bombardments. Without air support or a viable plan, Treadwell realized that a different approach was necessary.
He made a bold decision: he would charge the German positions himself. Treadwell knew that if he could eliminate the commander coordinating the defense, the Germans might falter. With a steely resolve, he picked up his Thompson submachine gun, checked his grenades, and instructed his men to cover him as he began his ascent.
The Charge
As Treadwell stepped into the open, every German gun on the hillside turned its attention toward him. The first 30 yards were the most perilous, with bullets whizzing past him and dirt erupting around his feet. The sound of the MG42 machine guns, known as “Hitler’s buzzsaw,” filled the air, but Treadwell pressed on. He moved steadily, neither running nor crawling, aware that any hesitation could cost him his life and the lives of his men.
Utilizing the craters left by artillery fire as cover, Treadwell advanced, dodging sniper fire and machine gun rounds. With each step, he felt the weight of his Thompson submachine gun and the urgency of the wounded men on the slope who needed his help. He was a lone figure against a fortified enemy, but he moved with purpose, exploiting the gaps in the German defensive strategy.
Breaking Through
At 50 yards, Treadwell could see the first pillbox clearly. It was a low concrete structure, its firing slit aimed directly at him. As he approached, he pulled a grenade from his pocket, knowing he had only a few seconds before the machine gun crew would resume firing. Timing was crucial; he needed to throw the grenade just right to ensure it did not bounce back.
With a final sprint, Treadwell reached the pillbox and pressed himself against the wall. Instead of using the grenade, he thrust his Thompson through the firing slit and unleashed a torrent of bullets. The sound was deafening inside the concrete bunker, and the effect was devastating. Four German soldiers stumbled out, disoriented and terrified, surrendering to Treadwell without a fight.
The Momentum Shifts
With the first pillbox secured, Treadwell knew he had to act quickly. The remaining German positions were already adjusting their fire toward him. He sprinted along the trench connecting to the second pillbox, dodging bullets as he went. This time, he threw a grenade into the firing slit, causing another explosion that neutralized the crew inside.
As the smoke cleared, three more Germans emerged, surrendering immediately. Treadwell had now captured a total of seven enemy soldiers and taken down two fortified positions within minutes. The men of Fox Company, witnessing their lieutenant’s audacious assault, began to stir. Inspired by Treadwell’s bravery, they rose from their positions and prepared to follow him up the hill.
The Final Assault
With the momentum shifting in favor of the Americans, Treadwell continued his charge. He approached the third pillbox, knowing he had to act fast before the Germans could regroup. As he ran across open ground, machine gun fire erupted around him, but he pressed on, diving behind the concrete wall of the bunker.
Treadwell repeated his earlier tactics, throwing a grenade into the pillbox before moving to the rear entrance. The explosion silenced the gun, and three more German soldiers emerged, hands raised in surrender. Treadwell had now neutralized three pillboxes and taken a total of 11 prisoners.
The Last Stand
With only three pillboxes remaining, Treadwell pressed forward. He maneuvered through the communications trench to the fourth bunker, where the soldiers inside were already surrendering before he even entered. The fear among the Germans was palpable; they had seen their comrades fall and their commander captured.
As Treadwell approached the fifth pillbox, he realized the Germans were no longer firing. They were watching the American company surge up the slope, counting their ammunition, and weighing their options. Treadwell moved quickly, his Thompson raised, and found the last bunker empty, with soldiers trickling out in surrender.
Finally, he charged the sixth and final pillbox, throwing his last grenade into the firing slit. The explosion silenced the last German machine gun on the hilltop, and Treadwell stood victorious among the captured pillboxes.
Legacy of Valor
The assault at Nether Warsbach was not just a tactical victory; it was a turning point for Fox Company and the entire 45th Infantry Division. Treadwell’s bravery inspired his men to charge into what had been a death trap just moments before. The breakthrough allowed the battalion to continue their advance, breaking through the Sigfried Line defenses that had held for so long.
Reports of Treadwell’s actions reached division headquarters, where the magnitude of his bravery was recognized. He had single-handedly neutralized six fortified positions and captured the German commander, achieving what artillery and air support could not.
In recognition of his extraordinary valor, Treadwell was recommended for the Medal of Honor. The award would be presented to him by President Harry Truman in a ceremony at the White House on August 23, 1945. The citation would detail his fearless assault and the impact it had on the course of the battle.
A Life of Service
After the war, Treadwell continued his military career, rising through the ranks and serving in various capacities, including in Vietnam. His leadership and experience made him an invaluable asset in the new type of warfare that characterized the conflict in Southeast Asia. Treadwell’s legacy as a courageous leader and dedicated soldier would be remembered long after his passing on December 12, 1977.
Jack Treadwell’s story is a testament to the power of individual courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. His actions not only changed the course of a battle but also inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. As we remember his sacrifice and bravery, we are reminded that true heroism often emerges in the most unlikely of circumstances.
