Bastogne was not only defended by the 101st Airborne, whose troops were trained to fight in isolated positions, there were a ton of troops and materiel from a large variety of units who had filtered in as they were driven back. It was a hodge-podge, but a potent hodge-podge, once it got organized for defense. They sustained a lot of casualties, but they gave the Germans one hell of a bloody nose.
They deserve all the glory they’ve gotten. But so do the men who fought hundreds of other crucial actions throughout the Battle.
Thanks—that’s very helpful. The Germans weren’t as fearsome, and the Americans were tougher, than I had understood.