At this exact moment, exactly 81 years ago, the last of the German military forces poured over the border into Luxembourg to start with is now called the Battle of the Bulge
In September 1944, the American Army liberated Luxembourg. However, the war was not over. The Germans planned one last attack to the west, hoping to separate American and UK forces, and reach Antwerp in a fantasy that the allies would join with the Germans to fight the Soviets.
At the time Luxembourg was full of American troops, but they were not really in the fighting position. Many were up in the north resting and recuperating after tough fighting. There were not enough soldiers to really do effective patrols so there were checkpoints in the small villages, the north of Luxembourg was a part of the country that hadn’t seen much war yet.
At the very moment that I am writing this post, 81 years ago, very well armed and prepared Germans poured over the border and into Luxembourg. While there was initial panic, the Americans regrouped quickly, and there were some great and brave battles in this country. We all know about Bastogne, but Luxembourg was the place where many Germans, especially the armor were slowed down and helped make sure the battle was a victory for the US
The winter of 1944–1945 is remembered in Luxembourg as one of the coldest and most brutal on record. The freezing weather briefly slowed the war in early December, as both German and US forces struggled against the elements. Then, on 16 December 1944, German troops emerged from the Ardennes—long considered impassable in winter—and the shock was complete. The Battle of the Bulge erupted without warning, overwhelming unprepared US units, forcing them westward, and exacting a heavy toll.
Towns that had so far escaped destruction were suddenly consumed by violence. Wiltz, Clervaux, Diekirch, Ettelbruck, Beaufort, and Echternach—today peaceful tourist destinations—became battlegrounds whose stubborn defense slowed the German advance and led to savage house-to-house fighting. Farms and isolated hamlets vanished under artillery fire. Civilians fled where they could; those who stayed hid in cellars, listening to the battle rage above them, unsure if they would live to see morning.
This created such a great bond of friendship between the United States and Luxembourg. I’ve witnessed it firsthand for over 20 years. I pray to God that the complete devils in the White House will not destroy what was so dearly paid for in blood.
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In September 1944, the American Army liberated Luxembourg. However, the war was not over. The Germans planned one last attack to the west, hoping to separate American and UK forces, and reach Antwerp in a fantasy that the allies would join with the Germans to fight the Soviets.
At the time Luxembourg was full of American troops, but they were not really in the fighting position. Many were up in the north resting and recuperating after tough fighting. There were not enough soldiers to really do effective patrols so there were checkpoints in the small villages, the north of Luxembourg was a part of the country that hadn’t seen much war yet.
At the very moment that I am writing this post, 81 years ago, very well armed and prepared Germans poured over the border and into Luxembourg. While there was initial panic, the Americans regrouped quickly, and there were some great and brave battles in this country. We all know about Bastogne, but Luxembourg was the place where many Germans, especially the armor were slowed down and helped make sure the battle was a victory for the US
The winter of 1944–1945 is remembered in Luxembourg as one of the coldest and most brutal on record. The freezing weather briefly slowed the war in early December, as both German and US forces struggled against the elements. Then, on 16 December 1944, German troops emerged from the Ardennes—long considered impassable in winter—and the shock was complete. The Battle of the Bulge erupted without warning, overwhelming unprepared US units, forcing them westward, and exacting a heavy toll.
Towns that had so far escaped destruction were suddenly consumed by violence. Wiltz, Clervaux, Diekirch, Ettelbruck, Beaufort, and Echternach—today peaceful tourist destinations—became battlegrounds whose stubborn defense slowed the German advance and led to savage house-to-house fighting. Farms and isolated hamlets vanished under artillery fire. Civilians fled where they could; those who stayed hid in cellars, listening to the battle rage above them, unsure if they would live to see morning.
This created such a great bond of friendship between the United States and Luxembourg. I’ve witnessed it firsthand for over 20 years. I pray to God that the complete devils in the White House will not destroy what was so dearly paid for in blood.
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