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| Battered Bastards of Bastogne |
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On December 20, 1944, during the height of the Ardennes Offensive, German armored forces successfully completed the encirclement of Bastogne, trapping the U.S. 101st Airborne Division and elements of the 10th Armored Division within the Belgian town.
Recognizing Bastogne’s critical importance as a hub for seven major roads in the rugged Ardennes terrain, the German XLVII Panzer Corps pushed past the town's perimeter to cut off all supply lines and escape routes.
Despite being severely outnumbered, lacking winter clothing, and facing a critical shortage of ammunition, the besieged American paratroopers refused to retreat from the strategic crossroads. This encirclement initiated a legendary week-long stand that effectively stalled the German advance toward the Meuse River, as the "Battered Bastards of Bastogne" denied the Wehrmacht the vital road network necessary to sustain their offensive momentum.
