Massacre at Malmédy

Hitler's Ardennes offensive of December 1944 was spearheaded by a panzer regiment of the 1st SS Division. Attacking at dawn in their King Tiger tanks, 1st SS made a gallant attempt to break through the Allied lines. As on other occasions, the SS combat achievement was marred by atrocities. The regiment's commander, Jochen Peiper, had ordered them to drive on recklessly and to give no quarter.When an inconvenient number of American prisoners had been acquired, SS men opened fire on them, killing 86. Peiper and some of his men were brought to trial after the war. Over-zealous American prosecutors committed many irregularities and members of the unit only suffered minor penalties.