The Battle of the Bulge By: Zack Harmon Allie Parente

General Description Names: o Battle of the Bulge o Ardennes Offensive o Von Rundstedt Offense Date: December 16, 1944-January 25, 1945 Near end of WWII

The Battle Itself Major German offensive Ardennes mountain region on the border of France and Belgium (western front) Germans began with an hour long artillery assault Poor weather condition prevented advance When the weather cleared, the Allied air force gained an advantage

Objectives/Events Beforehand Germany: split Americans and British in half o Then defeat Western Allies and force a peace treaty, so the Eastern Front could be focused on Allied forces felt that the Ardennes could be held by as little troops as possible Allies had supply problems

Outcome and Losses The Allies prevailed over Germans, gained momentum that would lead to the end of war America= 80,000 casualties Germany= nearly 100,000 casualties o 600 tanks destroyed

Impact on WWII The German air force (Luftwaffe) was shattered Germans retreated, and Allies pressed them Last of German reserves used

Other Interesting Facts Bloodiest battle in World War Two First battle that black were allowed to fight Initial advance by the Germans created a “bulge” in the Allied front line

“Meow” – Kitten in WWII A shout out to my boy Kyle DeSantis