So here at CF USA we constantly see in the midst of workouts that people will tease each other, poke fun of, cheer on, and make absolutely silly faces at each other.  Last night this was the case.

Bill and Stephen rocked it out during the WOD today, having a blast... if someone could enjoy it... taking down this WOD

One of our CrossFit USA members recently went to Europe to visit some historic WW2 battlefield sites .One in particular that his granfdather defended against a German tank corps. We appreciate the sacrifices made by men like Jeff's grandfather and thought it would be great to let Jeff tell us about his recent trip.

Hey Merle,

        "Well I’m more than feeling Saturday’s WOD after being in Europe for two weeks but the incredible experience was well worth it. My family mostly toured the French countryside in search of battlefields ranging from medieval sites, like the Battle of Agincourt, to WWII sites, like the Maginot Line. Learning about and analyzing the historic battles that took place from the ground greatly exceeded reading about them or watching documentaries on TV. To really understand any battle it is essential to walk the battleground. The most memorable site we went to was in Dieulouard, France to the bridge my grandfather’s engineer unit defended during WWII against a German tank corps. Being there with my father was truly special. We also had the privilege of visiting Henri-Chapelle Cemetery and Memorial where my great uncle was buried. The WWII cemetery was simply awe inspiring. Just seeing rows upon rows of white crosses and Stars of David was so humbling. You can not help but become speechless when you look out upon 5,000 graves of the men who did not make it back, who paid the ultimate price. The cemetery was beautiful and a true testament to their courage and sacrifice. I strongly urge those who ever visit France to go to at least one American cemetery. It is an experience you will never forget. God Bless America".

Thanks Jeff! I found this account of the defense of the bridge. It gives everyone some idea of what was happening:

The Dieulouard Bridgehead

After the poor results from the hasty earlier crossing attempts, greater effort was made for a coordinated and well-supported assault, with General Eddy deciding on a concentric advance to encircle the German forces around Nancy. Dieulouard (48°49′52″N 06°05′44″E / 48.83111°N 6.09556°E / 48.83111; 6.09556), located about four miles south of Pont-à-Mousson, was chosen as the new crossing site for the northern thrust of the encircling maneuver. The new plan would have the 317th Infantry Regiment cross first and secure a foothold, then for the 318th Infantry to follow and capture the high ground centered around Mousson Hill to the north. A heavy bridge would then be laid and CCA would be able to strike and capture Château-Salins, an important rail centre in the region. Because the 319th Infantry was still engaged in combat at Toul, they could not be used in this assault.

Because of the formidable terrain held by the German forces, extra support was called in. On September 10, the IX Bomber Command destroyed a bridge at Custines to prevent enemy reinforcements from Nancy, and the following evening struck at Mousson Hill. In order to feint the enemy, artillery and air strikes were primarily directed at Pont-à-Mousson.

The infantry crossings took place on September 12 and met with only weak resistance. So fast was the advance that elements of CCA were able to cross on the very same day. The reason for this ease was the Americans had crossed in a region near where two separate German divisions (3rd Panzergrenadier Division and the 553rd Volksgrenadier Division) linked up and were thinly posted. Most of the reserves in the area had already been sent north to engage the U.S. XX Corps.

The German assault to destroy the bridge began about 0100 on September 13, and was initially successful as troops of the 29th Panzergrenadier Regiment forced a retreat of the American infantry and pushed them almost back to the bridge itself. An American battalion commander assembled enough troops and medium tanks (of the attached 702nd Tank Battalion) to stop the Germans at le Pont de Mons. CCA sent a reconnaissance troop of armored cars and jeeps into the bridgehead at 0615, and this unit pushed to the outskirts of Saint-Geneviève (48°53′50″N 06°05′23″E / 48.89722°N 6.08972°E / 48.89722; 6.08972) but was forced to halt by German self-propelled guns. As daylight broke, the Germans began retreating to the north and east, pursued by 80th Division troops and tanks of CCA. CCA's 37th Tank Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Creighton Abrams, pushed across the bridgehead and rapidly moved to the southeast, defeating German roadblocks and taking prisoners. By that evening the bridgehead was considered secure, allowing all of CCA to cross and move on Château-Salins.

The following day saw further counterattacks against the foothold by German forces emerging from mist-shrouded hills, but they were again repelled by the 80th Division, aided by reinforcements sent back from the advanced CCA.