On December 16 , 1944 , the Germans started their offensive that became known to the Americans as the Battle of the Bulge . Timmermann , as a junior officer , was in the thick of the fighting near St. Vith with his platoon . His company 's entire kitchen staff and supply sergeant were captured and later executed by the German SS troops in what became known as the Malmedy massacre . Timmermann was wounded in the arm by shell fragments during the fighting , but stayed with his unit until relieved . The Germans twice announced that the 9th Armored Division had been destroyed during the battle , but it fought on , earning the nickname " Phantom Division "
Malmedy massacre
Malmedy massacre
Karl H. Timmermann