SKU: theroadtobstogne

December 16, 1944, marked the opening of Germany’s last major offensive in Western Europe.  Three armies attacked US Army units in the Ardenne section of Southeastern Belgium.  The initial offensive was aimed at the port City of Antwerp and threw US formations into disarray.  The town of Bastogne became an island of resistance.  Occupied by the 101st Airborne Division, Bastogne was surrounded by Christmas Eve but continued to defy all German attempts to capture the city.  General McAulliffe’s reply “nuts” to a German surrender demand has since become a classic in the annals of war.  The city was relieved by armored units of General Patton’s Third Army.  The Ardennes offensive coast the German Army 100,000 casualties and the US Army 85,000.  It also marked the end of Germany’s offensive capabilities on the Western Front in WWII.