Bastonge.

[Bugman]

Bastogne

The Siege of Bastogne began December 20, 1944 when German forces encircled the small but militarily significance villiage of Bastogne Belgium. Control of Bastogne was critical to the success of The Ardennes Offensive.

Bastogne was defended by various American Army units including members of the famed 101st Airborne Division, "The Screaming Eagles". On the day after Christmas, elements of General George S. Patton's Third Army broke through German lines, relieving the besieged troops.

For a personal account of the fighting, see here.

http://www.lonestar.edu/library/kin_Peniche.htm

An overview of the action is here.

http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/articles/bastogne.aspx

 

[Jagermeistered]

Bugman,

With all due respect... What does military revivsionism have to offer society? We all have family members that have sacrifised(and, are not yet gone; for some)! Historical battles are great to learn about and remember!

My Grandfather who served in WWII and other battles, made me into the anti-war advocate, I am today!

 

[milagros317]

That first-hand account is very interesting. Thanks for the link, Bugman. 😀

 

[Bugman]

Bugman,

With all due respect... What does military revisionism have to offer society? We all have family members that have sacrificed(and, are not yet gone; for some)! Historical battles are great to learn about and remember!

My Grandfather who served in WWII and other battles, made me into the anti-war advocate, I am today!

This thread was created to commemorate an important event in history, not as a place for political debate and discussion. I ask that you kindly respect that.

 

[Libertine]

This is a very amusing and well-staged clip from a 60s film called "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium" in which a busload of ill-assorted American tourists drive through Europe. One constantly voices his nostalgia for "the best years of my life- World War Two!'.

In this scene he visits the Battle of the Bulge memorial near Bastogne and enthuses about his part in the battle. But he isn't the only veteran there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK1V-fYKrc4

 

[Jagermeistered]

This thread was created to commemorate an important event in history, not as a place for political debate and discussion. I ask that you kindly respect that.

Will do.

 

[osprey825]

Bastonge?? Try Bastogne...

 

[Bugman]

Bastonge?? Try Bastogne...

Duly noted and corrected, and thanks for bringing that to my attention. Can't believe I made that many typos without catching it. 😱

 

[pfromptown]

Has anyone ever been? It's incredible: I went in late October and it was freezing then, God knows what it must have been like in December and January. A lot of it is still cordoned off due to unexploded shells, very eerie stuff.

Anyone who hasn't already should check out the Band of Brothers episodes that are set at Bastogne, there are three I think. The best piece of war recreation I have ever seen. Really makes you realise how sheltered our lives are now.

Great thread - kudos!