Our hearts went cold as we watched the big birds string the supplies several hundred yards west of the hill and several hundred yards from the first to the last chute. Some chutes failed to open and cases of grenades could be seen striking the frozen ground, breaking open, and scattering over the area. We wondered how many of those we would face that night.

Men volunteered to go out to recover the supplies with blankets, stretchers, medical supplies, and ammo the top priority. Lt. Peterson led the detail to the drop but as recovery was being made, the enemy opened fire from the high ridge and pinned down the group. Mortar and rifle fire from Fox Hill slowed but did not stop the enemy gunners and each man was forced to get as all he could and broken-field run back to the lines.