Jeff Hunt, Director of the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry, recounts how soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment—mostly Texans—became trapped by Nazi forces deep in the Vosges forest. Cut off from supplies and reinforcements, they faced freezing conditions and constant attacks as hope began to dwindle.

Jeff Hunt continues the story with the dramatic rescue mission led by Nisei soldiers of the 100th/442nd RCT. Despite facing discrimination and having family members held in internment camps, these Japanese American troops fought through treacherous terrain and overwhelming odds to save the Texans—an act of valor that cost hundreds of lives.

Shirlee Blonder, widow of Erwin Blonder—one of the rescued radio operators—shares the powerful memories her husband carried from that harrowing time. Through her words, we glimpse the emotional weight of survival, and the deep gratitude Erwin felt toward the Nisei soldiers who risked everything to bring him home.