Local Veteran Part of Elite Paratroops Who Turned Tide at Battle of the Bulge

May 31, 2011 - PRLog -- At 18 years old, Bob Rust hadn’t seen much of the world by the time World War II rolled around in the early 1940s.  That was to change dramatically as the winds of war eventually swept him across much of Europe as a young soldier caught up in some of the war’s most important battles. Those adventures would finally bring him to Texas, where, at 86, his medals adorn the wall of his home in The Village at Gleannloch Farms in Spring, Texas. But the more pointed reminder is the steel shrapnel from a German artillery shell still lodged in his back.

Young Bob Rust volunteered for one of the US Army’s most elite fighting units—the 517th Regimental Parachute Team—and was accepted.  The men of the 517th were a special breed, tested for both physical and mental toughness and comprised largely of star athletes from sporting programs around America. They were America’s best—and they were inserted wherever the fighting was hardest and the stakes were highest. Before war’s end, Rust and his men would fight their way from the south of France through Italy, Belgium, and finally—into Hitler’s Fortress Germany itself.  In all, they would see 94 straight days under fire and many of Rust’s friends—“some good men”—would never return.  His unit is officially credited with five campaigns, but one event especially stands out in his memory.

In the winter of 1944, the dying Nazi juggernaut tried one last, desperate gambit—a surprise attack at Christmastime with every available man, tank and plane. That massive assault formed a huge bulge into Allied-held Europe. Turning back that onslaught became the crucial focus of the war—later known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Not surprisingly, the 517th was thrown into that terrible maelstrom, fought during Europe’s coldest winter in 100 years.  The determined young American boys—now hardened soldiers—met the assault head on.  Rust and his men were ordered out on a moonlit Christmas night to take a hill where the previous American attack had met a deadly slaughter—and prevailed.  

Ultimately, the 517th was credited with stopping the forward advance of the “bulge” in its tracks.  The doom of the Third Reich was sealed.  Rust’s particular battalion was honored with the French Croix de Guerre, the Belgian Croix de Guerre and a special Unit Citation, given only by direct authority of the President of the United States.

Wounded twice during the Second World War, Rust is now considered technically disabled. However, a year ago, he came to live at The Village at Gleannloch Farms on a bed but now “gets around” without any assistance and lives in the independent living part of the community.

The young heroes who came home from 517th don’t hold reunions anymore. But Rust enjoys talking to other veterans there at his new home where “we’re all like one big family.”  

Anyone who comes to his apartment can see his Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Clusters—and many other medals.  But only Rust can still see the faces of his young friends—frozen in time more than 60 years ago, because they never lived to age.

“They were very brave men, any of whom would have died for each other without hesitation. They moved forward with dedication and unflinching courage. I was very fortunate to serve with them,” said Rust.

To Bob Rust and all those like him, Americans owe a debt we can never repay.  At least we can remember their sacrifices with a moment of quiet reflection each Memorial Day and a whispered “thank you” for the price they paid.  Though fewer in number each year, they are still living reminders that freedom doesn’t come free.

Sponsored and owned by Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc., The Village at Gleannloch Farms is a not-for-profit community offering 123 independent living apartments and cottages for active adults aged 62 and above. In addition, the community offers a continuum of care including 30 assisted living apartments, 18 memory support residences, and 35 private skilled nursing suites.

Located at Champion Forest Drive and Northpointe Boulevard, the community is situated on 25 acres and is designed to resemble the property’s original architecture. Architect of the project, three architecture of Dallas, incorporated native Gleannloch Farms stone and wood overhangs, balconies, trellises and fences to promote a “countryside residence” exterior. The community’s interior, designed by Faulkner Design Group of Dallas, features arts-and-crafts period influences using wood paneling, stained glass and wood-beamed ceilings.

The community adds to the already extensive variety of residential housing options available in Gleannloch Farms. Other Gleannloch Farms amenities include a lakeside aquatic and athletic complex, equestrian center, championship golf course, hiking and biking trails, and highly acclaimed schools.

In addition to a full range of health care options, The Village at Gleannloch Farms offers a variety of resort-style amenities including landscaped courtyards, multiple dining venues, and common areas totaling over 148,000 square-feet. The common area spaces include a 100-seat chapel, library and business center, creative arts studio, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, heated outdoor saltwater pool and fitness center.

For information about The Village at Gleannloch Farms please visit the community web site at www.villageatgleannlochfarms.com, or call (877) 312-2140.