(My dad was in 20th Armored, which arrived in France the month after Bastogne and then moved through southern Germany.) Once about forty years ago I played golf on a 110° day with an older man who, unlike the rest of us, seemed unfazed by the excessive heat. When I asked why he said, “I was at Bastogne, and I was so cold I swore I’d never again complain about the heat.”
God Bless our Dads.
I wasn't at Bastogne, maybe 100 miles south in Ascase, Strasburg. Yes it was cold. I understand the coldest in a long time. Before the winter was over, I caught pneumonia from living in a hole and was housed in a field hospital for a week. I crossed the Rhine in an field ambulance or a truck, I don't know which, I was out of it. I feel the same way as your golfing pal. I don't mind the heat. I'M 91 and never want to be cold again.