Part 5/8:
The brutality of war further marred the offensive when some German units resorted to war crimes, particularly the notorious SS unit commanded by Joachim Piper. The decision to massacre American prisoners at the Baugneire crossroads shocked both sides of the conflict and set a tone for revenge among American soldiers.
This vicious cycle of violence escalated, with American forces retaliating against SS troops, perpetuating a cycle of brutality that eroded any semblance of chivalry. The acts of violence by German forces towards both American soldiers and civilians alike ignited a fervor among the Allies.