Peipers Route at the battle for the bulge
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Most of the GIs were stood in the field when the shooting started (first pistol shots), but not all. At least two Americans bolted for the rear at the first shot. The rest stood when the firing began, but there was good amount of shouting. Such is understandable; men were dying. It is noteable that Siptrott had never denied the shooting that ensued, and has always maintained that his first reaction to the above was to kick Georg Fleps and throw his Mark IV in gear to get away from this mess. A detailed map shows the position of each body in the field by the crossroads. It makes it clear that a mass shooting did happen to men standing there although with a number shot as tiiey ran. A number ran at the first shots. Later, in Ligneuville, an angry Siptrott reported on Flep's actions, knowing that this whole incident would create a lot of tiouble. He was right.
After the initial shooting, members of the pioniere battalion moved through the mass of Americans lying in the field and shot anyone who appeared to remain alive. Amazingly, after the Germans departed the scene later that afternoon, some thirty Americans, who were still alive and feigning death, rose suddenly from the field and ran towards friendly lines. Many would escape and report an incident that would haunt Peiper and his men for the rest of their days.
My name is William Merriken of the 285th, Field Artillery Battalion. We proceeded through the Baugnez crossroads and made a right turn past the Café Bodarwe on the road to Ligneuville. Just before we reached the left curve in the road we spotted a shell falling in the field to the right of us. After we got passed the curve the Column came to a halt on the right side of the road, and we got out and got in the ditch. About that time a jeep came down the road from Ligneuville with an Officer and driver. We stopped them and told them to go to Malmedy and get help as we were under attack. and they took off like hell. I heard later they got through. Cont...
