John Wemple

Lt. Colonel John P. Wemple
The 17th Tank Battalion’s Steadfast Commander

Leading the 17th Tank Battalion in the Face of Adversity

Lieutenant Colonel John P. Wemple was a battle-hardened tank officer whose leadership of the 17th Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, played a decisive role in some of World War II’s most intense engagements. A seasoned commander, Wemple led his battalion through the Battle of the Bulge, where they helped delay the German offensive at St. Vith, a critical stand that disrupted Hitler’s last major push in the Ardennes.

A Commander at the Heart of the Battle

As the commanding officer of the 17th Tank Battalion, Wemple was responsible for executing rapid battlefield maneuvers, defensive operations, and counterattacks in response to shifting enemy tactics. His unit was a key component of Combat Command B (CCB), 7th Armored Division, which took on the crucial task of blocking the German advance at St. Vith.

Facing the 6th SS Panzer Army, Wemple’s tank crews engaged in intense battles against superior German armor, including Panther and Tiger tanks. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, the 17th Tank Battalion fought tenaciously, leveraging mobility, terrain, and artillery support to hold their ground.

The Battle of St. Vith: Holding the Line Against Overwhelming Odds

🔹 December 1944: As the German Ardennes offensive began, St. Vith became a primary target due to its strategic location as a transportation hub.

🔹 The Mission: Under Wemple’s command, the 17th Tank Battalion was tasked with reinforcing St. Vith’s defenses and delaying the enemy’s advance.

🔹 A Fierce Tank Battle: The battalion’s Sherman tanks faced off against heavily armored German divisions, often at close range, as they fought to slow the German breakthrough.

🔹 Impact of Their Defense: The 17th’s stand bought vital time for Allied reinforcements, disrupting the German timetable and forcing them into a prolonged battle instead of a rapid breakthrough. General Bruce Clarke, commander of CCB, later emphasized the defense of St. Vith as one of the most crucial actions of the battle.

When the order to withdraw came, Wemple ensured an orderly retreat, preventing his battalion from being cut off and allowing them to regroup for future operations.

A Legacy of Leadership and Brotherhood

Following the Battle of the Bulge, Wemple continued leading the 17th Tank Battalion in the final offensives of the European Theater, including operations in the Ruhr Pocket, where the 7th Armored Division played a key role in capturing thousands of German troops.

Although records of Wemple’s post-war life remain scarce, his leadership left an indelible mark on the men he commanded—including Lieutenant Jack Wilson, who served under him in the 17th Tank Battalion. Their time together forged a battlefield camaraderie that reflected the deep trust between commanders and frontline officers, ensuring success in the most dire of circumstances.

Why John P. Wemple’s Story Matters

While much of the public memory of the Battle of the Bulge focuses on Bastogne, the defense of St. Vith was just as critical in halting the German offensive. Leaders like Lt. Col. John P. Wemple played an essential role in ensuring the 7th Armored Division’s legacy of resilience and heroism. His contributions, and those of the 17th Tank Battalion, deserve to be remembered alongside the greatest tank commanders of World War II.