Battle of the Bulge Ardennes Offensive

Ardennes Offensive German counterattack to D-Day December 16, 1944-January 25, 1945 The Germans were able to surround the Allies and created a “bulge” in their line

Battle of the Bulge Facts: -Over a million men: 600,000 German, 500,000 Am., 55,000 Br. -Largest land battle America was involved in in WWII -Coldest, snowiest battle -Casualties: 100,000 German, 81,000 Am, 1,400 Br. (most died in the first 3 days of battle)

Massacre of Malmedy Worst atrocity against Americans in WWII 86 American POWs massacred by Germans Germans were later put on trial due to evidence by survivors but death sentences were never carried out

Bastogne City both the US and Germans wanted because it was a strategic spot for a counteroffensive 101st got there first Could not get supplies dropped in and led to poor conditions for the US

General Mcauliffe Germans surrounded them, kept city under siege, and asked for US surrender General Mcauliffe replied “Nuts!” The Germans did not understand the message so it was explained as “Go to …”

How It Ended… Patton was able to come through the south The German plan to take back control of the war had failed and the Germans withdrew The Soviets are making their way to Berlin from the east… Hitler at this point has little to no chance