The Detritus of War: An oveturned German tank in a stream next to Houffalize Belgium - June 1945

In December of 1944 the Germans launched their audacious, but failed attempt, to cripple the Allied forces in Northwestern Europe. The fighting mostly took place in the Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium. Amongst the many Belgian towns that witnessed fighting during the battle was Houffalize; situated on the banks of the Meuse River north of Bastogne. Unfortunately, for the residents of Houffalize, the town quickly became the site of a vicious battle between attacking German forces and its American defenders.

Houffalize's importance stemmed from the fact it was a highly strategic crossroads in the otherwise densely forested and rugged Ardennes. Therefore Houffalize represented a crucial prize for any mechanized army attempting to move through the region. German troops captured the town and then fought savagely to protect their prize against ensuing American counterstrokes. Consequently, the fighting not only destroyed the town but also killed or injured a substantial portion of the town's residents.

On January 16, 1945 U.S. forces, led by the U.S. 2nd, 3rd and 11th Armored divisions, recaptured Houffalize and its vital crossroads. By the beginning of February 1945 the Germans had been forced back to their original start lines. Thereafter the US First and Third Armies, led by Generals Hodges and Patton respectively, helped lead the Allied drive forcing German forces back east into Germany and final surrender in May 1945.


Picture Courtesy US National Archives, ARC identifier no. 196224