Posted on 12/16/2019 10:05:03 AM PST by ransomnote
On December 16, 1944, Nazi forces launched their last major offensive campaign on the Western Front of World War II, deep in the Ardennes Forest. In what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge, the United States and Allied Forces unleashed one of the most consequential—and tenacious—operations in modern military history. Today, we remember the more than 500,000 brave patriots who faced unimaginable peril, including the more than 19,000 who laid down their lives in the gallant stand against tyranny and oppression that would ultimately liberate Europe from Nazi control and secure a victory for the forces of freedom.
Following the arrival of the monumental Allied victory on D-Day, the Nazis knew the momentum of World War II had swung against them. In their last effort to turn the tide of the war, they once again underestimated the resiliency and grit of the American troops.
Despite frigid temperatures and the Nazis’ initial success in breaking the American front, our forces fought with the dauntless fortitude that has defined our military men and women since the founding of our great country. They were led by some of our Nation’s most revered military leaders, but it was ultimately their intrepid and indomitable spirit that fueled our victory. From Elsenborn Ridge and Clervaux to the critical road junctions of St. Vith and Bastogne, Americans fought furiously to slow the Nazi advances, and in doing so they achieved what British Prime Minister Winston Churchill referred to as “undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war,” which he predicted would be regarded as “an ever-famous American victory.”
Seventy-five years later, we honor the remarkable bravery of the valiant heroes who fought in the “Battle of the Bulge.” Part of the Greatest Generation, their sacrifices cemented a legacy of proud service and deep devotion to country that will continue to inspire generation after generation of their fellow Americans.
See my new post above.
Thank you for the post.
After watching One Child Nation I am convinced there is one Nazi regime now in this world at it is China.
Thank you for posting the President’s proclamation.
I extract what I consider a key sentence: “ From Elsenborn Ridge and Clervaux to the critical road junctions of St. Vith and Bastogne, Americans fought furiously to slow the Nazi advances....”
While the great majority who think of the Battle of the Bulge, identify it with the encircled 101st Airborne Div at Bastogne, it was the critical holding of other locations that proved the key to delaying the initial German attack that undid the entire offensive. Elsenborn Ridge, Clervaux, St. Vith in the center of the Bulge and on the north shoulder were just as heroic stands, but not as well remembered.
Elsenborn Ridge really broke the back of the offensive. From that point the offensive was canalized away from the planned route and really had no clear path to Antwerp. Even Liege was doubtful.
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