75 years ago, now....

Battle of the Bulge.  Missed the start 3 days ago, but a few reminders brought all of the reading, movies, and sightseeing back into focus.

Last ditch effort by Hitler, fought off by people who he thought were weak.  And were far, far from it.  Especially the 101st, 44th Engineers, parts of the 10th Armored, and a lot of leftover stragglers who defended Bastogne.  Those guys were surrounded, and repeatedly attacked, shelled, and generally made miserable for a week.  And when it was all over, these guys had enough to attack back.

Amazing.

I've managed to visit the area back in 2008- and I would recommend visiting to anyone.  Very worth it.

On my bucket list for sure, even have the Band of Brothers Tours brochure sitting here.

Grandpa was there. Army air Corp signal division. Radio man on the ground setting up listening posts and relaying orders.  
 

greatest generation 

My father was pinned down in Bastogne with the tank maintainance battalion he ran as part of the 4th armored division. He was just far enough behind the front lines that he never got fired upon by the enemy for the entire duration of the war. He did have to duck friendly fire once.

"Nuts."