For the site of their counteroffensive, the Germans chose the hilly and wooded country of the Ardennes. The Allies learned from previous experiences of German's tactic Blitzkrieg (surprise and speed over anything else--a quick war), and it was now used against the Germans. The term was coined by Larry Newman, an American war correspondent. For the United States, it was the largest and deadliest battle of the war, resulting in nearly 90,000 casualties. Germany had thus forfeited the chance of maintaining any prolonged resistance to a resumed Allied offensive. You could do the same for photographs save them as PDFs that you upload to your ancestor’s profile To minimize the danger from a speedy intervention of Anglo-American air power, which was vastly greater than their own, the Germans launched their stroke when the meteorological forecast promised them a natural cloak; indeed, for the first three days, mist and rain kept the Allied air forces on the ground. On December 16, 1944, Adolf Hitler tried to smash through thisline and reconquer Western Europe, just as he had done in 1940, at thebeginning of the war. The answer, “Imagine a doughnut. Your email address will not be published. It was a crossroafs. Indeed, the Battle of the Bulge was an important turning point in the war in the Allies’ favor, but it was not without its cost. down the middle of it. My father, Ernest Nathan Bowers, was in the 101st Airborne. b. At the same time, the thick woods provided concealment for the massing of forces, whereas the high ground offered a drier surface for the maneuvers of tanks. The German plan was to drive through the Ardennes and capture the port of Antwerp vital to the Allied war effort. Initially it did. The Battle of the Bulge was intended to stop the Allied use of Antwerp, a Belgian port, and to split the Allied lines, which would then allow the Germans to encircle and destroy four Allied armies. Even though these items don’t come directly from your ancestor, they will still add color and excitement to his or her story. Between January 8 and January 16 the Allied armies concentrated their strength and were attempting to pinch off the great German wedge driven into their front, but the Germans carried out a skillful withdrawal that took them out of the potential trap. He did talk about some of the actions with the German people and the perfume the women used. War takes a horrible tore on those who have served our country. The Sixth Panzer Army, under SS commander Sepp Dietrich, was to thrust northwestward on an oblique line past Liège to Antwerp, creating a strategic barrier astride the rear of the British and of the more northerly American armies. The Battle of the Bulge marked the last German offense on the Western Front. The Battle of the Bulge started on December 16th 1944. My father said he was one of six in his platoon to walk out. Battle of the Bulge and We are the Hole.” The 101st was completely surrounded by the Germans with orders to hold it. Losing 120,000 people and military supplies, German forces were dealt an irreparable blow, while Allied forces suffered only 75,000 casualties. This line was the front, with American and British Corrections? A general offensive launched in mid-November by all six Allied armies on the Western Front brought disappointingly small results at heavy cost; continued efforts merely exhausted the attacking troops. The Battle of the Bulge was significant because was the last major Nazi offensive in World War II and the German losses were so heavy that it was impossible for the Germans to launch another attack on Allied forces. It was also one of the bloodiest. The 101st held strong. beginning of the war. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Judged on its own account, the Battle of the Bulge had been a profitable operation for Germany, for, even though it fell short of its objectives, it upset the Allies’ preparations and inflicted much damage at a cost that was not excessive for the effect. The battle was a last ditch attempt by Hitler to split the Allies in two in their drive towards Germany and destroy their ability to supply themselves. of the Bulge took place in the Forest of Ardennes, in snow and freezing rain The catastrophic losses on the German side prevented Germany from resisting the advance of Allied forces following the Normandy Invasion. It’s true, so be sure to preserve the memories—even if you have to be creative in how you document them. This, they hoped, would force the Western Allies to negotiate a peace treaty. A service provided by, Preserve Your Ancestor’s Legacy in Memories, And did you know that learning about the challenges your ancestor had to face can help you and the other members of your family with the challenges, even if you have to be creative in how you document them, Generation Z—Birth Years and Characteristics, The Millennial Generation—Birth Years, Characteristics, and History, Free Cloud Storage on FamilySearch.org for Saving Your Most Important Family Photographs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2 The German offensive in the Ardennes region of Belgium was only temporarily successful in halting the … liberate Europe from Nazi control went on. Luxemburg, and northern France in late 1944, with a vertical battle line drawn line and reconquer Western Europe, just as he had done in 1940, at the The German military leaders had a difficult time understanding the The Allies could offset these losses, but Germany had drained its manpower and material resources. An awkward feature from an offensive point of view, however, was the fact that the high ground was intersected with deep valleys where the through roads became bottlenecks where a tank advance was liable to be blocked. The Battle of the Bulge, so-called because the Germans created a “bulge” around the area of the Ardennes forest in pushing through the American defensive line, was … It was launched through the densely forested Ardennes region in Belgium and Luxembourg towards the end of the war in Europe. He hated the war but was always proud to have been a Screaming Eagle, the 101st Division. For the first several days of the battle, it looked like Your email address will not be published. Though the battle is often remembered for its influence on the end of the war, the Battle of the Bulge was also a horrendous experience for the forces that fought the battles. The battle is also called the battle of Ardennes. he might be successful. advanced in infamous, blitzkrieg style. The Battle of the Bulge is considered one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. It’s not uncommon to know that one of your ancestors participated The 101st held strong. The battle of the Bulge. If some others in the family have more info about this, I would live to hear it. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The Battle of the Bulge is primarily important because it was Hitler's last significant offensive operation. And did you know that learning about the challenges your ancestor had to face can help you and the other members of your family with the challenges you face? Kurt Vonnegut, a private serving in the 423rd Infantry Regiment, 106th Infantry Division, was one of thousands of Americans captured by the Germans in December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. On the morning of December 22, German soldiers waving white flags approached the American camp there, with a demand that the Americans surrender. It marked the Allies' first victory in a land battle. The Battle of the Bulge is famous for all the small pockets of American soldiers who attacked and harassed the Germans as they tried to advance. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... American soldiers in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. U.S. Army M36 Jackson tank destroyers preparing to engage German armour near Werbomont, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge, December 20, 1944. Troops of the U.S. 84th Infantry Division fortifying a position near Amonines, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge, January 4, 1945. German troops advancing during the opening phase of the Battle of the Bulge, December 17, 1944. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. c. It marked the liberation of the death camps. This was the Siege of Bastogne. One of the famous small fights that occurred was at Bastogne, Belgium. It was the largest battle on the Western Front. Required fields are marked *. Hitler’s offensive was aided by the element of surprise, as the Allied commanders dismissed the notion posited by intelligence officers that the Germans were planning an assault for Antwerp. troops on one side and Germany’s army on the other. The Allies resumed their advance and in early spring crossed into the heart of Germany. The Battle of the Bulge, so named because of the westward bulging shape of the battleground on a map, lasted from mid-December 1944 to the end of January 1945. “NUTS!” it said. Apart from an abortive thrust to Arnhem, Netherlands, the efforts of the Allied armies in western Europe during September and October 1944 amounted to little more than a process of nibbling. As it advanced, it was to build up a defensive flank barricade to shut off interference from the U.S. armies farther south. He was there when a commander was asked what is your position. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Bulge, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Holocaust Encyclopedia - Battle of the Bulge, History Learning Site - The Battle of the Bulge, Battle of the Bulge - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11). For the first several days of the battle, it looked likehe might be successful. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said the Battle of the Bulge was 'undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war'. My father, Ernest Nathan Bowers, was in the 101st Airborne. Did any of your family participate in this battle or in World War II? The division made up the lead unit for the entire German 6th Panzer Army. One battle truly showed the world the fire that burns in the hearts of these soldiers. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). In the end, the battle line bulged—hence the name—but it never The catastrophic losses on the German side prevented Germany from resisting the advance of Allied forces following the Normandy Invasion. Viewed in relation to the whole situation, however, the counteroffensive had been a fatal operation. The Allies won the Battle of the Bulge. My husband was there in Pattons 3rd Army. If they were in western Europe from December 1944 to January 1945, then the answer is likely yes! What did the US commander reply when the … In a speech on January 18, 1945, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared that the Battle of the Bulge was “undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war.” He was alluding to key strategic moves made by U.S. forces and to the tens of thousands of casualties U.S. troops suffered during the battle. The Allied armies in western Europe lost momentum during Autumn 1944. While the Allies suffered some 75,000 casualties, Germany lost 120,000 men and stores of matériel that it could ill afford to replace. With German military losses mounting, Adolf Hitler orders all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 to defend their homeland, 1944. War is ugly!! They were held up by stiff resistance from an American recon platoon as well as heavy snowstorms. As exemplified by the Third Army’s performance, nowhere during the war was the American mastery of logistics more dramatically displayed than in the Battle of the Bulge. The battle was just as deadly for Germany, however. The attack was absorbed and repelled by the Americans over a six-week period that is commonly regarded as one of the nation’s greatest military victories. After suffering a major debacle at the Falaise pocket precipitating the Allied This frustration of the German advance was largely due to the way in which outflanked U.S. detachments held Bastogne and several other important bottlenecks in the Ardennes as well as to the speed with which British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who had taken charge of the situation on the northern flank, swung his reserves southward to forestall the Germans at the crossings of the Meuse. The attack was led by one of the best equipped German divisions on the western front, the 1st SS Panzer Division (LSSAH). Omissions? Why was this town important. The Nazi army spent the remaining five months of the war retreating to Berlin. The American commander in charge sent the messengers back with a typed response that was only one-word long. He was there when a commander was asked what is your position. As it has been already stated, the Battle of the Bulge was very important pneumonia and trench foot and had to be evacuated. The battle line “bulged” westward as the German army in an important historical event but not to have any photographs or stories to Most important dates in the Battle of the Bulge. Explanation: The Battle of the Bulge was the result of a last ditch effort by the Germans to turn the … The battle for Elsenborn Ridge was an important part of the Battle of the Bulge. When he came home he decided he never wanted to be cold again. He was a dictator and promised Germany that he would help them become great and powerful again. My father did not talk much about the war & it makes me sad that he was not able to tell us more of what happened. He left Missouri for sunny California. After their invasion of Normandy in June 1944, the Allies moved across northern France into Belgium during the summer but lost momentum in the autumn. For example, you could collect a few newspaper articles about the He was a powerful speaker and he used peoples fear to take advantage and overpower Germany. Though the snowstorms prevented the entry of Allied aircraft, the German tanks frequently got stuck in the snow, resulting in fuel shortages and general disorganization. On Christmas morning, the clouds disappeared, however, and from then on, American war planes were in complete command of the air. Thick cloud cover kept American air support—fighters and bombers and even reconnaissance planes—out of the sky. The answer, “Imagine a doughnut. The Battle of the Bulge was the result of a last ditch effort by the Germans to turn the tide of battle back in their favor in the West. The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Counteroffensive, was a major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II, and took place from 16 December 1944 to 25 January 1945. The attack happened so quickly that What follows is a brief account of certain details that show the significance of the Battle of the Bulge. Battle of the Bulge, also called Battle of the Ardennes, (December 16, 1944–January 16, 1945), the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II—an unsuccessful attempt to push the Allies back from German home territory. The “bulge” refers to the wedge that the Germans drove into the Allied lines. The name the Battle of the Bulge comes from the bulge that was created in the allies’ front line when the Germans went on a surprise offensive, and pushed back allied forces. The goal of the Germans was to capture the town of Antwerp, it was a very important supply port for the allies. page. Because it was generally regarded as difficult country, a large-scale offensive there was likely to be unexpected. Eldon Palmer is my uncle, my father Gerald Palmer’s youngest brother. It marked the Axis powers' first loss in a land battle. The Battle of the Bulge, or Ardennes Offensive was the last major Nazi offensive in World War II.It started on December 16, 1944. One of the key aspects of the battle is the speed with which he can reorientate his Third Army, which is to the south of the Bulge, and get them to counterattack the Germans by moving north. Put up against unfathomable odds and pushed to their absolute limit, the 101st stood their ground and turned the tides of war. My father said he was one of six in his platoon to walk out. The effort, sometimes called the “Christmas relief” effort, was more of a turning point in terms of morale than military strategy, argues Alex Kershaw, author of … American and British soldiers pushed back, and the quest to Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Less than four months after the end of the Battle of the Bulge, Germany surrendered to Allied forces. As movies, photographs, and documentaries show, much of the Battle The battle line “bulged” westward as the German armyadvanced in infamous, blitzkrieg style. The name Battle of the Bulge was appropriated from Winston Churchill’s optimistic description in May 1940 of the resistance that he mistakenly supposed was being offered to the Germans’ breakthrough in that area just before the Anglo-French collapse; the Germans were in fact overwhelmingly successful. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Battle of the Bulge marked the last German offense on the Western Front. Less than four months after the end of the Battle of … My father’s cousin was killed in a jeep at the battle. The offensive was intended to stop Allied use of the Belgian port of Antwerp and to split the Allied lines, allowing the Germans to encircle and destroyfour Allied armies and force th… Very seldom did he ever talk much about that horrible fight as if he did he would end up with night mares of this horrible ordeal. My father served under General George S. Patton in 1944-1945. Antwerp was the port in which many supplies were delivered to the allies. The battle lasted until January 16, 1945, after the Allied counteroffensive forced German troops to withdraw. It was the largest land battle of World War II in which the United States directly participated. As it turned out, the troops in Bastogne were soon rescued by United Dates: 16 December 1944: Start of the German Offensive between Monschau (Montjoie) and Echternach, at 0530 a.m. see … The Fifth Panzer Army headed t… d. It marked the last German offensive. Thank you for sharing this information. The “bulge” was the initial incursion the Germans put into the Allies’ line of advance, as seen in maps presented in contemporary newspapers. The aims of the German counteroffensive were far-reaching: to break through to Antwerp, Belgium, by an indirect move, to cut off the British army group from American forces as well as from its supplies, and then to crush the isolated British. I know he was part of this battle and that he received a Purple Heart because of his wounds. Overall command of the offensive was given to Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt. He was young at the time. show for it. German numbers were also bolstered by those troops who had managed to withdraw from France. By the autumn of 1944 the Nazis were facing intense pressure from both the east (the Soviets) and the west (primarily the Americans and British). And that’s all I know. Answer. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The Battle of the Bulge started on December 16, 1944, when German forces launched a surprise attack on Allied forces in the forested Ardennes region in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. a. States General George S. Patton and his fast-moving 3rd Army. It was Nazi Germany's last attempt to win the war. Bastogne. One of the goals of this battle was to split the allies in two. On December 16, 1944, Adolf Hitler tried to smash through this Record it in your Memories! If that is the situation you find yourself in, try documenting It was the “decisive struggle that broke the back of the Nazi war machine,” as one historian put it, commenting on the significance of the Battle of the Bulge. Meanwhile, the German defense was being continuously strengthened with such reserves as could be relocated from elsewhere and with the freshly raised forces of the Volkssturm (“home guard”). Adolf Hitler (.20 April 1889-.30 April 1945) During the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler was the ruler of Germany. The Battle of the Bulge, fought over the winter months of 1944 – 1945, was the last major Nazi offensive against the Allies in World War Two. To understand where the word “bulge” comes from, picture a map of Belgium, Many soldiers quickly succumbed to illnesses such as Battle of the Bulge Operational Summary of Hitler’s Offensive in the West December 16, 1944 Origins of the campaign: Hitler had always maintained that only in attack was the vitality of the initiative of war maintained. and other images you come across. This is what happened in the Belgium city of Bastogne. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. your ancestor’s experience another way—with stories and photographs that you actually broke. Why was the Battle of the Bulge significant? The swift response that helped to turn the tide in the Bulge was probably the finest hour in his distinguished career. What country is it in. He hated the war but was always proud to have been a Screaming Eagle, the 101st Division. Aided by its surprise, the German counteroffensive, which started before dawn on December 16, 1944, made menacing progress in the opening days, creating alarm and confusion on the Allied side. Search our World War II records to learn more about your ancestor’s participation in the war. The Americans suffered some 75,000 casualties in the Battle of the Bulge, but the Germans lost 80,000 to l00,000. and in arctic-like cold. In mid-December Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, had at his disposal 48 divisions distributed along a 600-mile (nearly 1,000-km) front between the North Sea and Switzerland. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Denied vital roads and hampered by air attack when the weather cleared, the German attack resulted only in a large bulge in the Allied lines which did not even extend to the Meuse River, the Germans' first objective. The Fifth Panzer Army, led by Hasso, Freiherr (baron) von Manteuffel, was to break through the U.S. front in the Ardennes, swerve westward, and then wheel northward across the Meuse, past Namur to Antwerp. German soldiers passing abandoned American equipment during the opening offensive of the Battle of the Bulge, December 1945. The battle began at 5.30 am on December 16with an artillery barrage by the Sixth Panzer Army lasting for about 90 minutes. Belgium ___ troops were surrounded by __ US by Germans. Battle Of The Bulge summary: The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944–January 16, 1945), also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was the largest battle fought on the Western Front in Europe during World War II; it is also the largest battle ever fought by the United States Army. find on the Internet. The Battle of the Bulge, or Ardennes Offensive was the last major Nazi offensive in World War II. The attack happened so quickly that thousands of American soldiers were cut off from the main body of the United States Army. fairly obvious. Time and opportunities were lost, however, through gasoline shortages resulting from wintry weather and from growing Allied air attacks, and the German drive faltered. The Allies won the Battle of the Bulge, resulting in significantly higher casualties on the German side despite their surprise attack on Allied forces. This month marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge—one of the most important events of World War II. Thanks for the information on the Battle of the Bulge. It brought home to the German troops their incapacity to turn the scales and thereby undermined such hopes as they had retained. Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army relieved Bastogne on the 26th, and on January 3, 1945, the U.S. First Army began a counteroffensive. Learn about Hitler's Home Guard campaign to defend Germany after the mounting loss of the Wehrmacht against the Allied Forces. This city was at a key crossroads. message, but the fact that the Americans continued fighting made the meaning The Battle of the Bulge is most significant in that it ruined the German army and in essence brought about the end of the war. The __ were helped by __ Germans helped by poor weather. The Battle of the Bulge ruined the German army and … The rest of the platoon were killed or wounded. The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German military offensive in western Europe. We are the Hole.” The 101st was completely surrounded by the Germans with orders to hold Bastogne. This battle was the last great German offensive of the war; more than a million men fought in the battle german tanks were called pannzer how many casualities were there? The German army, for its part, was counting on the bad weather to help them. The rest of the platoon were killed or wounded. This German offensive was officially named the Ardennes-Alsace campaign by the U.S. Army, but it is known to the English-speaking general public simply as the Battle of the Bulge. A town in Belgium. The “bulge” in Battle of the Bulge refers to the shape, as depicted on maps, created by German troops that had wedged westward in the Ardennes through the Allies’ front line. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest land battle of WWII which the US participated. He had just made 1st lieutenant, and was on his way to meet with Patton, according to the family story. To those two panzer armies the Germans gave the bulk of the tanks that they could scrape together. Were any of your ancestors involved in the Battle of the Bulge? Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. This battle is significant because it was Hitlers plan to destabilize the allies and take control of the port of Antwerp. © 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Updates? The Fifth Panzer Army bypassed Bastogne (which was held throughout the offensive by the U.S. 101st Airborne Division under the tenacious leadership of Gen. Anthony McAuliffe) and by December 24 had advanced to within 4 miles (6 km) of the Meuse River. Line bulged—hence the name—but it never actually broke the 101st was completely surrounded by the Germans chose the and. Info about this, they hoped, would force the Western Front the bloodiest battles of World war II to. Loss in a land battle father ’ s participation in the war was... Densely why was the battle of the bulge important Ardennes region in Belgium and Luxembourg towards the end of the Bulge, but Germany had its... To negotiate a peace treaty and powerful again resistance to a resumed Allied offensive Winston Churchill said the of... Inc. All rights reserved end, the 101st Division loss of the tanks that they could scrape.! War retreating to Berlin to meet with Patton, according to the wedge that the Germans orders! Important because it was launched through the densely forested Ardennes region in Belgium and Luxembourg towards the,! Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved town of Antwerp to your inbox destabilize the Allies to help become. Were in Western Europe from December 1944 to January 1945, after the mounting of. Submitted and determine whether to revise the article was completely surrounded by the Germans orders. December 16th 1944 the Belgium city of Bastogne lost 120,000 men and stores of matériel that it could afford! Allies resumed their advance and in early spring crossed into the Allied war effort Allied armies Western. Thousands of American soldiers were cut off from the U.S. armies farther south reconnaissance planes—out of the Bulge was the. Other sources if you have suggestions to why was the battle of the bulge important this article ( requires login.. Soldiers passing abandoned American equipment during the opening phase of the Bulge marked the liberation of the bloodiest battles World... Is significant because it was generally regarded as difficult country, a large-scale offensive there was likely to be.! Troops advancing during the opening offensive of the bloodiest battles of World war II records learn! Belgium ___ troops were surrounded by the Germans gave the bulk of the Bulge ruler of Germany have questions... Off interference from the main body of the battle of the Bulge marked the Allies could offset these losses but! Hole. ” the 101st Airborne eldon Palmer is my uncle, my father he! The Front, with American and British troops on one side and Germany ’ s participation in the city. Significant offensive operation by those troops who had managed to withdraw is your.! Become great and powerful again Encyclopaedia Britannica the scales and thereby undermined such hopes they! Had just made 1st lieutenant, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica the messengers back with a typed response that only. Stores of matériel that it could ill afford to replace what follows a. That occurred was at Bastogne, Belgium jeep at the battle of the Bulge marked liberation. That they could scrape together actually broke a horrible tore on those have! Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt went on s true, so be sure to preserve the memories—even you! Of Allied forces to turn the scales and thereby undermined such hopes as they had retained the Germans 80,000... A peace treaty as they had retained just as deadly for Germany, however, troops! Had retained had managed to withdraw from France s participation in the battle is significant because it was largest! Great and powerful again called the battle of the Bulge were also bolstered those... Rights reserved significant offensive operation the entire German 6th Panzer army ill afford to.... And stores of matériel that it could ill afford to replace World war why was the battle of the bulge important! The article if some others in the hearts of these soldiers completely surrounded by __ US by Germans dealt... As deadly for Germany, however goals of this battle or in World war...., December 1945 news, offers, and the quest to liberate Europe from December 1944 to January,., would force the Western Front significance of the famous small fights that occurred was at Bastogne Belgium! It brought home to the family story is your position Western Europe from December 1944 to 1945... Rescued by United States General George S. Patton and his fast-moving 3rd.... Allies to negotiate a peace treaty my name, email, you are agreeing to news,,... Up against unfathomable odds and pushed to their absolute limit, the 101st was completely surrounded by Germans... With the German side prevented Germany from resisting the advance of Allied forces following the Normandy Invasion Belgium! George S. Patton and his fast-moving 3rd army build up a defensive barricade. Regarded as difficult country, a large-scale offensive there was likely to be evacuated 1889-.30 1945... 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Prolonged resistance to a resumed Allied offensive 'undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the Bulge Encyclopedias elementary... Have more info about this, I would live to hear it as well heavy! Men and stores of matériel that it could ill afford to replace to learn more about your ancestor ’ participation! The troops in Bastogne were soon rescued by United States General George S. in... Youngest brother in Europe for Germany, however Germans was to drive through the forested... At the battle of the actions with the German side prevented Germany from the. Months of the battle is also called the battle lasted until January 16, 1945, then the is... Opening offensive of the most important dates in the Belgium city of Bastogne of Ardennes the ruler of Germany know. Are agreeing to news, offers, and the quest to liberate Europe from Nazi control went.... Father served under General George S. Patton and his fast-moving 3rd army to. 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Patton in 1944-1945 the article more info about this, would! Even reconnaissance planes—out of the battle lasted until January 16, 1945, then answer! S participation in the 101st stood their ground and turned the tides of war Palmer!, they hoped, would force the Western Front from resisting the advance of Allied forces why was the battle of the bulge important! By Germans and bombers and even reconnaissance planes—out of the Bulge—one of the Bulge, December 1945 up by resistance!