Baraque de Fraiture also known as Parker Crossroads 1944 - After other units fought until ammo was exhausted, C Company 509th PIB arrived on 23 Dec 1944 and put up its own stubborn defense against the 52nd Panzer Korps, 2nd SS Panzer Division that was attempting to advance north.
Parkers Crossroads looking east toward St Vith - This road was a vital route for resupply of American forces fighting the German offensive in vicinity of St. Vith. Major Parker, 589th Artillery Battalion was ordered to withdrawl to this location with three 105 mm guns and secure the crossroads. Major Parker collected other units to establish the defense.
Parkers Crossroads looking south toward Bastogne - A stone building (which was destroyed) was located just south of this intersection. About 200 yards south of the stone building was an outpost that observed the first advance of German forces of the 52nd Panzer Korps, 2nd SS Panzer Division on 22 Dec 44. About 80 Germans on bicycles. An American half track with anti aircraft guns opened up and killed the majority of them.; The rest made for the woods and many were picked off by American infantry.
This is a pre-war postcard of the same road looking south toward Bastogne - It shows the original stone building that was on the southwest corner of the intersection that was used as the HQ for C Company 509th PIB on 23 Dec 1944.
Parkers Crossroads looking north toward Belle Haie and Manhay - 23 Dec 44, C Company 509th PIB arrives from the north and meets stiff enemy resistance about 400 yards north of the intersection. By this time units that had defended this intersection had run entirely out of ammo and had no means to resist, they were withdrawling and evading capture when C Company 509th PIB arrived. C Company fought and retook the intersection and secured the stone house command post and made it their own. C Company fought a further delaying action until they exhausted their ammo and also began to withdrawl to avoid capture.
This pre-war photo shows the building on the northeast corner of the intersection. Going off to the left of this photo is the road going to Belle Haie and Manhay. The road going off tot he right is to Bastogne.
Parkers Crossroads looking west - other elements of the C Company 509th PIB set up a local defense 800 yards west of the intersection around an anti tank gun. The anti tank gun was destroyed by German tank fire and elements of C Company were forced to withdrawl under heavy tank fire.
Parkers Crossroads monument with one of the three 105mm guns in original position
Parkers Crossroads monument with 105mm gun
Parkers Crossroads 105mm gun positioned facing east
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